Gum detection using an optical detector in a dental hygiene detection apparatus

ABSTRACT

A detection apparatus ( 1000 ) enables detection of a substance ( 116 ) that may be present on the surface ( 31, 33 ) based on measurement of a stream probe signal correlating a substance ( 116 ) at least partially obstructing the passage of fluid ( 30, 35 ) through a stream probe ( 500 ) includes a distal optical gum detector transmission portion ( 620 ) and a distal optical gum detector reception portion ( 720 ) in a position to transmit and to receive, respectively, an optical signal controlled by a controller ( 2251 ), enables the controller ( 2251 ) to determine if an open port ( 526 ) of a distal tip ( 522 ) of the stream probe ( 500 ) is in contact with a substance ( 116 ) at least partially obstructing the passage of fluid ( 30, 35 ) through the open port ( 526 ) and not in contact with the gums of a subject or of a user of the detection apparatus ( 1000 ) to override false positive signals.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/740,904 filed on Dec. 21, 2012entitled “PLAQUE DETECTION USING A STREAM PROBE” and, U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/746,361 filed on Dec. 27, 2012 entitled“PLAQUE DETECTION USING A STREAM PROBE”, the entire contents of bothapplications hereby being incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to apparatuses used for detecting thestate of a dental surface. More particularly, the present disclosurerelates to a stream probe that is utilized to detect the state of adental surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Caries or periodontal diseases are thought to be infectious diseasescaused by bacteria present in dental plaques. Removal of dental plaquesis highly important for the health of oral cavities. Dental plaques,however, are not easy to identify by the naked eye. A variety of plaquedetection apparatuses have been produced to aid in the detection ofdental plaque and/or caries.

Most of the dental plaque detection apparatuses are configured for useby trained professionals and make use of the fact that the visibleluminescence spectra from dental plaque (and/or caries) and non-decayedregions of a tooth are substantially different. Some dental plaquedetection apparatuses are configured for use by consumers (most of whomare, typically, not trained dental professionals) in their own homes inhelping consumers achieve good oral hygiene.

For example, one known type of dental plaque apparatus utilizesirradiated light to illuminate tooth material and gums to identify areasinfected by biofilms and areas of dental plaque. This type of plaquedetection apparatus may utilize a monochromatic excitation light and maybe configured to detect fluorescent light in 2 bands 440-470 nm (e.g.,blue light) and 560-640 nm (e.g., red light); the intensities aresubtracted to reveal the dental plaque and/or caries regions.

While the aforementioned dental plaque apparatus are suitable for theirintended use, they exhibit one or more shortcomings. Specifically, it isknown that each area of the eye absorbs different wavelengths of lightand, if too much light is absorbed by the eye, the eye may be damaged.As can be appreciated, to avoid possible eye injury, it is imperativethat a user not switch on the plaque detection apparatus until theplaque detection apparatus is appropriately placed inside the mouth. Theaforementioned devices, however, are not configured to automaticallydetect when the plaque detection apparatus are placed inside the mouth.As a result thereof, potentially harmful radiation that could damage theeyes, or cause uncomfortable glare if exposed to the eyes, may result ifproper handling precautions are not followed, e.g., consumer misuse.Furthermore, this technique is especially suitable to detect old plaque;a distinction between teeth fluorescence and young (1 day old) plaquefluorescence is not made.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved detection of asubstance (e.g. plaque) on a surface (e.g. a dental surface).

Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure includes an apparatusfor detecting the presence of a substance on a surface. The apparatusincludes a proximal body portion comprising a proximal pump (e.g.,syringe) portion and a proximal probe portion and at least one distalprobe portion configured to be immersed in a first fluid. The proximalpump portion and the distal probe portion are in fluid communicationwith one another. The distal probe portion defines a distal tip havingan open port to enable the passage of a second fluid (e.g. a gas or aliquid) therethrough. The apparatus is configured such that passage ofthe second fluid through the distal tip enables detection of a substancethat may be present on the surface based on measurement of a signalcorrelating to a substance at least partially obstructing the passage offluid through the open port of the distal tip.

In one aspect, the signal may be a pressure signal and the detectionapparatus further includes a pressure sensor configured and disposed todetect the pressure signal. The proximal pump portion may include thepressure sensor.

In one aspect, the apparatus may further include a pressure sensingportion disposed between the proximal pump portion and the distal probeportion wherein the pressure sensor is disposed in fluid communicationwith the pressure sensing portion to detect the pressure signal. Theproximal pump portion, the pressure sensing portion and the distal probeportion may each define internal volumes summing to a total volume ofthe detection apparatus such that the detection apparatus forms anacoustical low pass filter.

In another aspect, the proximal pump portion may include a moveableplunger disposed therewithin and configured and disposed such that themoveable plunger is reciprocally moveable away from a proximal end ofthe proximal pump portion towards a distal end of the proximal pumpportion. The movement of the plunger induces thereby a volumetric ormass flow in the distal probe portion or wherein the proximal pumpportion comprises a moveable diaphragm, the movement of the diaphragminducing thereby a change in volumetric or mass flow in the distal probeportion.

The apparatus may further include a controller. The controller mayprocess pressure readings sensed by the pressure sensor and determinewhether the pressure readings are indicative of a substance obstructingthe passage of fluid through the open port of the distal tip. Thesubstance may be dental plaque.

In yet another aspect of the apparatus, the signal represents strain ofthe probe portion. The detection apparatus may further include a straingauge configured and disposed on the distal probe portion to enable thestrain gauge to detect and measure the signal representing strain of theprobe portion.

In one aspect, the distal tip having an open port may be chamfered at anangle such that passage of the second fluid through the distal tip isenabled when the distal tip touches the surface. The angle of thechamfer of the open port may be such that passage of the second fluidthrough the distal tip is at least partially obstructed when the distaltip touches the surface and a substance at least partially obstructs thepassage of fluid through the open port of the distal tip.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure includes a proximal bodyportion that includes a pump portion, a proximal probe portion whereinthe pump portion and the proximal probe portion are in fluidcommunication with one another, and a connector wherein the proximalprobe portion can be connected via the connector to a distal probeportion of a distal probe portion of the detection apparatus toestablish fluid communication between the proximal probe portion and thedistal probe portion. The detection apparatus includes a distal probeportion configured to be immersed in a first fluid. The distal probeportion defines a distal tip having an open port to enable the passageof a second fluid therethrough. The apparatus is configured such thatpassage of the second fluid through the distal tip enables detection ofa substance that may be present on the surface based on measurement of asignal, correlating to a substance at least partially obstructing thepassage of fluid through the open port of the distal tip.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure includes a system fordetecting the presence of a substance on a surface. The system includesa first detection apparatus as described above and at least a seconddetection configured in the manner as the first detection apparatus asdescribed above.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure includes a method ofdetecting the presence of a substance on a surface that includes, via astream probe tubular member or stream probe defining a proximal end andan interior channel that includes a distal probe tip having an open portenabling the passage of a fluid medium therethrough, disposing the probetip in proximity to a surface and such that the stream probe tubularmember is immersed in a first fluid medium, causing a second fluidmedium to flow through the interior channel and the distal probe tip andcausing the distal probe tip to touch the surface in an interaction zoneoccurring in the first fluid medium, and probing the properties of theinteraction zone via detection of at least partial obstruction of flowof the second fluid medium through the interior channel or the distalprobe tip or combinations thereof.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure includes a method ofdetecting the presence of a substance on a surface that includes, via atleast two stream probe tubular members or stream probes each defining aproximal end and an interior channel that includes a distal probe tiphaving an open port enabling the passage of a fluid medium therethrough,disposing the two probe tips in proximity to a surface and such that thetwo stream probe tubular members or stream probes are immersed in afirst fluid medium, causing a second fluid medium to flow through theinterior channels and the distal probe tips and causing the distal probetips to touch the surface in an interaction zone occurring in the firstfluid medium, and probing the properties of the interaction zone viadetection of at least partial obstruction of flow of the second fluidmedium through the interior channels or the distal probe tips orcombinations thereof.

In one aspect, the detection of at least partial obstruction of flow ofthe second fluid medium through the interior channels and the distalprobe tips may include detection of a difference between a pressuresignal detected in one of the two stream probe tubular members andanother one of the two stream probe tubular members.

In another aspect, the detection of at least partial obstruction of flowof the second fluid medium through the interior channels and the distalprobe tips may include detection of a difference between a strain signaldetected in one of the two stream probe tubular members and another oneof the two stream probe tubular members.

In yet a another aspect, the distal tip has an open port that may bechamfered at an angle such that the step of causing a second fluidmedium to flow through the interior channels and the distal probe tipsis enabled when the distal tip touches the surface and the second fluidmedium is enabled to flow through the chamfered open port.

In a further aspect, the step of detecting at least partial obstructionof flow of the second fluid medium through at least one of the interiorchannels and the distal probe tips is enabled via the angle of thechamfer of the open port being such that passage of the second fluidthrough the distal tip is at least partially obstructed when the distaltip touches the surface and a substance at least partially obstructs thepassage of the second fluid medium through the open port of the distaltip.

In one aspect, the probing of the properties of the interaction zone mayinclude measuring a property of dental plaque derived from the surfacein the interaction zone.

In still another aspect, the causing a second fluid medium to flowthrough the interior channels and the distal probe tips may be performedeither by causing the second fluid medium to flow distally from theproximal ends of the at least two stream probe tubular members throughthe distal probe tips or by causing the second fluid medium to flowproximally from the distal probe tips through the interior channelstowards the proximal ends of the stream probe tubular members.

The present disclosure describes a method of probing a dental surface byrecording the outflow properties of a fluid medium through a probe tip.The properties of the fluid outflowing from the probe tip can forexample be measured by recording the pressure of the fluid medium as afunction of time. The release properties of fluid, including bubbles,from the tip-surface region can characterize the dental surface and/orthe viscoelastic properties of dental material present at the probe tip.The fluid, including bubbles, may also improve the plaque removal rateof the tooth brush.

Novel features of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are:

(a) a fluid medium is brought in contact with a surface at a probe tip,generating an interaction zone between the tip and the surface; and

(b) the shape and/or dynamics of the medium in the interaction zonedepend on the properties of the surface and/or on materials derived fromthe surface; and

(c) the pressure and/or shape and/or dynamics of the medium in theinteraction zone are detected.

A determination is made by a controller as to whether a level of plaqueis detected at a particular dental surface of a tooth that exceeds apredetermined maximum acceptable or permissible level of plaque.

If a negative detection is made, a signal is transmitted to the user ofthe electric toothbrush having an integrated stream probe plaquedetection system to advance the brush to an adjacent tooth or otherteeth.

Alternatively, if a positive detection is made, a signal is transmittedto the user of the electric toothbrush having an integrated stream probeplaque detection system to continue brushing the particular tooth.

Accordingly, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to anapparatus that is configured such that passage of a fluid through anopen port of a distal tip enables detection of a substance that may bepresent on a surface, e.g., a surface of a tooth, based on measurementof a signal correlating to a substance at least partially obstructingthe passage of fluid through the open port. The apparatus includes aproximal pump portion and at least one distal probe portion configuredto be immersed in another fluid. The apparatus may be included within acorresponding system that includes at least two apparatuses. A methodincludes probing an interaction zone for at least partial obstruction offlow.

In one exemplary embodiment, the first fluid may also pass through theopen port of the distal tip of the distal probe portion, e. g., when thepressure within the distal probe portion is below ambient pressure.

To enhance the effectiveness of the method to reduce the occurrence offalse positive signals when the stream probe tubular member ispositioned on the gums, it is beneficial to distinguish between gums andplaque. Consequently, according to one exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure, a detection apparatus such as a toothbrush withplaque detection features includes a first stream probe to detect theplaque and a second stream probe to detect only gums. By comparing bothsignals, the detection apparatus is able to distinguish between gumsversus plaque. The detection apparatus for detecting the presence of asubstance on a surface includes a distal probe portion of a first streamprobe. The distal probe portion is configured to be immersed in a firstfluid. The distal probe portion of the first stream probe defines adistal tip having an open port to enable the passage of a second fluidtherethrough. The distal tip has a size and shape configured to detect asubstance that may be present on a surface by a subject or of a user ofthe detection apparatus. The detection apparatus includes a distal probeportion of a second stream probe. The first distal probe portion of thesecond stream probe is configured to be immersed in the first fluid anddefines a distal tip having an open port to enable the passagetherethough of the second fluid. The distal tip has a size and shapeconfigured to detect placement of the distal tip on the gums of asubject or a user of the detection apparatus. The detection apparatus isconfigured such that passage of the second fluid through the distal tipof the distal probe portion of the first stream probe and passage of thesecond fluid through the distal tip of the distal probe portion of thesecond stream probe enables detection of a substance that may be presenton the surface based on measurement of a signal, correlating to asubstance at least partially obstructing the passage of the second fluidthrough the open port of the distal tip of the distal probe portion ofthe first stream probe and confirmation that the substance is not thegums of a subject or a user of the detection apparatus and not thegeneration of a false alarm signal that the substance is the gums of thesubject or of the user of the detection apparatus. The confirmation iseffected by comparison between the measurement of a signal correlatingto a substance at least partially obstructing the passage of fluidthrough the open port of the distal tip of the distal probe portion ofthe first stream probe and measurement of a signal correlating to anobject not obstructing the passage of fluid through the open port of thedistal tip of the distal probe portion of the second stream probe.

In one exemplary embodiment, the distal probe portion of the firststream probe defines a longitudinal axis and the distal probe portion ofthe second stream probe defines a longitudinal axis and each define acircular cross-section in a direction transverse to the respectivelongitudinal axes. The open port of the distal tip of the distal probeportion of the second stream probe may be arranged concentrically aroundthe open port of the distal tip of the distal probe portion of the firststream probe. The distal probe portion of the first stream probe and thedistal probe portion of the second stream probe may define the commonlongitudinal axis and the distal tip of the distal probe portion of thefirst steam probe and the distal tip of the distal probe portion of thesecond stream probe may each define a concave profile in a directiontransverse to the common longitudinal axis and with respect torespective proximal ends defined with respect to the common longitudinalaxis, of the distal probe portion of the first stream probe and thedistal probe portion of the second stream probe.

In another exemplary embodiment, the distal probe portion of the firststream probe and the distal probe portion of the second stream probedefine the common longitudinal axis, and the distal tip of the distalprobe portion of the first stream probe and the distal tip of the distalprobe portion of the second stream probe may each define a convexprofile in a direction transverse to the common longitudinal axis andwith respect to respective proximal ends, defined with respect to thecommon longitudinal axis, of the distal probe portion of the firststream probe and the distal probe portion of the second stream probe.

In still another exemplary embodiment, the distal probe portion of thefirst stream probe and the distal probe portion of the second streamprobe define the common longitudinal axis, and the distal tip of thedistal probe portion of the first stream probe may define a concaveprofile with respect to the distal tip along the common longitudinalaxis and the distal tip of the distal probe portion of the second streamprobe may define a convex profile with respect to the distal tip alongthe common longitudinal axis and with respect to respective proximalends, defined with respect to the common longitudinal axis, of thedistal probe portion of the first stream probe and the distal probeportion of the second stream probe.

In one exemplary embodiment, the distal probe portion of the firststream probe and the distal probe portion of the second stream probe maybe disposed in proximity to one another and such that the longitudinalaxes are parallel to one another.

In a further aspect, in one exemplary embodiment, the detectionapparatus may further include a proximal body portion including a pumpportion, a proximal probe portion of the first stream probe and aproximal probe portion of the second stream probe wherein the proximalpump portion, the proximal probe portion of the first stream probe thedistal probe portion of the first stream probe, the proximal probeportion of the second stream probe and the distal probe portion of thesecond stream probe are in fluid communication with one another.

In another exemplary embodiment, the signal may be a pressure signal andthe detection apparatus may further include a pressure sensor configuredand disposed to detect a pressure signal in the proximal portion of thefirst stream probe; and a pressure sensor configured and disposed todetect a pressure signal in the proximal portion of the second streamprobe. The detection apparatus may further include a restriction orificedisposed in the proximal portion of the first stream probe: and arestriction orifice disposed in the proximal portion of the secondstream probe. In one exemplary embodiment, the proximal probe portion ofthe second stream probe is arranged concentrically around the proximalprobe portion of the first stream probe.

In a still further exemplary embodiment, the pump portion the proximalprobe portion of the first stream probe; and the proximal probe portionof the second stream probe are removably attachable to the distal probeportion of the first stream probe and to the distal probe portion of thesecond stream probe, respectively.

Alternatively, in another exemplary embodiment, the distal probe portionof first stream probe is integrally joined with the proximal probeportion of the first stream probe, and the distal probe portion ofsecond stream probe is integrally joined with the proximal probe portionof the second stream probe.

In a further aspect, in one exemplary embodiment, the detectionapparatus may further include a controller wherein the controllerprocesses pressure readings sensed by the pressure sensor and determineswhether the pressure readings are indicative of detection of a substancethat may be present on the surface based on measurement of a signal,correlating to a substance at least partially obstructing the passage ofsecond fluid through the open port of the distal tip of the distal probeportion of the first stream probe and confirmation that the substance isnot the gums of the subject or of the user of the detection apparatus orgeneration of a false positive alarm signal that the substance is thegums of the subject or of the user of the detection apparatus, theconfirmation effected by comparison between the measurement of thesignal correlating to a substance at least partially obstructing thepassage of second fluid through the open port of the distal tip of thedistal probe portion of the first stream probe and measurement of asignal correlating to an object not obstructing the passage of secondfluid through the open port of the distal tip of the distal probeportion of the second stream probe.

Other exemplary embodiments of a detection apparatus for detecting thepresence of a substance on a surface according to the present disclosureto override false positive signals triggered by the first stream probebeing placed on the gums of the user or of the subject and falselysignaling the presence of plaque. More particularly, an optical gumdetector according to embodiments of the present disclosure provides asolution for false positive signals using the stream probes for plaquedetection as described above, i.e., the false positive signals occur dueto blocking of the stream probe on gum that may be interpreted asplaque.

The basis for applying an optical gum detector is to measure the ratioin reflected light for wavelengths below and above the sharp transitionat 600 nm wavelength in the reflectivity of gums. This reflectivityratio displays a good contrast between gum and teeth. A threshold can beset to distinguish between a stream probe position on gum and a streamprobe position on a tooth or teeth, thereby overriding false positivesignals for plaque detection by the stream probe.

Accordingly, a dental hygiene detection apparatus for detecting thepresence of a substance on a surface according the present disclosureincludes a distal oral insertion portion defining a proximal end and adistal end and includes a distal probe portion of a stream probe that isconfigured to be immersed in a first fluid. The distal probe portiondefines a distal tip having an open port to enable passage of a secondfluid therethrough The distal tip has a size and shape configured todetect a substance that may be present on a surface. The distal oralinsertion portion includes a distal optical gum detector transmissionportion that defines a proximal end and a distal tip. The distal tip ofthe distal optical gum detector transmission portion extends to thevicinity of the distal end of the distal oral insertion portion. Thedistal oral insertion portion includes a distal optical gum detectorreception portion that defines a proximal end and a distal tip. Thedistal optical gum detector reception portion extends to the vicinity ofthe distal end of the distal oral insertion portion. The detectionapparatus is configured such that passage of the second fluid throughthe distal tip of the distal probe portion enables detection of asubstance that may be present on the surface based on measurement of astream probe signal correlating a substance at least partiallyobstructing the passage of fluid through the open port of the distal tipof the distal probe portion. The detection apparatus is also configuredsuch that the distal optical gum detector transmission portion and thedistal optical gum detector reception portion are in a position totransmit and to receive, respectively, an optical signal that upontransmission of the optical signal and reception of the optical signalby a controller enables the controller to determine if the open port ofthe distal tip of the distal probe portion is in contact with asubstance at least partially obstructing the passage of fluid throughthe open port and not in contact with the gums of a subject or of a userof the detection apparatus.

In one exemplary embodiment, the distal optical gum detectortransmission portion may include a first distal transmitting opticalfibre defining a proximal end and a distal tip extending to the vicinityof the distal end of the distal oral insertion portion and the distaloptical gum detector transmission portion may further include a seconddistal transmitting optical fibre defining a proximal end and a distaltip wherein the distal tip of the second distal transmitting opticalfibre extends to the vicinity of the distal end of the distal oralinsertion portion.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the dental hygiene detectionapparatus further includes a proximal body portion that includes aproximal optical gum detector transmission portion that is opticallycoupled to the distal optical gum detector transmitting portion.

In one exemplary embodiment, the proximal optical gum detectortransmission portion includes a dichroic cube defining a lighttransmitting surface and the dichroic cube is optically coupled to thefirst proximal transmitting fibre via an optical lens that is disposedto focus light emitted from the light transmitting surface of thedichroic cube through the first proximal transmitting fibre. Thedichroic cube may further include a first light receiving surface and asecond light receiving surface. The proximal optical gum detectortransmission portion may further include a first light emitting diodeand another optical lens disposed between the first light emitting diodeand the first light receiving surface to focus light emitted from thefirst light emitting diode into the first light receiving surface and asecond light emitting diode and yet another optical lens disposedbetween the second light emitting diode and the second light receivingsurface to focus light emitted from the second light emitting diode intothe second light receiving surface.

In a still further exemplary embodiment, the proximal optical gumdetector transmission portion includes a first proximal opticaltransmitting fibre wherein the proximal body portion may further includean optical combiner that is optically coupled to the first proximaloptical transmitting fibre.

The proximal optical gum detector transmission portion may furtherinclude a first light emitting diode and a second light emitting diode.Each diode may be optically coupled to the optical combiner to transmitlight from the first and second light emitting diodes to the distaloptical gum detector transmission portion in the distal oral insertionportion.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the proximal optical gum detectortransmission portion includes a first proximal transmitting opticalfiber and the proximal optical gum detector transmission portion furtherincludes a light emitting diode that is optically coupled to the firstproximal transmitting optical fibre.

In a still further exemplary embodiment, the proximal body portion mayfurther include a proximal optical gum detector reception portion thatis optically coupled to the distal optical gum detector receivingportion.

In another exemplary embodiment, the distal optical gum detectorreception portion comprises a first distal receiving optical fibre andthe proximal optical gum detector reception portion includes a firstproximal receiving fibre that is optically coupled to the first distalreceiving optical fibre.

In a still further exemplary embodiment, the proximal optical gumdetector reception portion further includes an optical detector that isoptically coupled to the first proximal receiving optical fibre. Theproximal optical gum detector reception portion may further include asecond optical detector optically coupled to the first proximalreceiving optical fibre.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the proximal optical gum detectortransmission portion includes a first proximal optical transmittingfibre and a light emitting diode that is optically coupled to the firstproximal transmitting optical fibre.

In another exemplary embodiment, the proximal optical gum detectortransmission portion may further include a second proximal opticaltransmitting fibre and a light emitting diode that is optically coupledto the second proximal transmitting optical fibre.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the stream probe signal is a pressuresignal and the detection apparatus further includes a pressure sensorthat is configured and disposed to detect the pressure signal in theproximal probe portion of the stream probe.

In one exemplary embodiment, the dental hygiene detection apparatus mayfurther include a controller wherein the controller processes pressurereadings sensed by the pressure sensor and determines whether thepressure readings are indicative of detection of a substance that may bepresent on the surface based on measurement of a signal correlating to asubstance at least partially obstructing the passage of the second fluidthrough the open port of the distal tip of the distal probe portion ofthe stream probe and confirmation via the distal optical gum detectortransmission portion and the distal optical gum detector receptionportion transmitting and receiving, respectively, an optical signal thatupon transmission of the optical signal and reception of the opticalsignal by the controller, enables the controller to determine if theopen port of the distal tip of the distal probe portion is in contactwith a substance at least partially obstructing the passage of fluidthrough the open port of the distal tip of the distal probe portion andnot in contact with the gums of a subject or of a user of the detectionapparatus.

These and other aspects of the present disclosure will be apparent fromand elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) describedhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The aspects of the present disclosure may be better understood withreference to the following figures. The components in the figures arenot necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the figures,like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout theseveral views.

In the figures:

FIG. 1 illustrates the general principle of a stream probe impacting adental surface in accordance with the present disclosure:

FIG. 2 illustrates the effect of surface tension on a less hydrophilicsurface and on a more hydrophilic surface for a stream probe impacting adental surface in accordance with one exemplary embodiment off thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates left and right photographs of air bubbles from aneedle in water touching a plaque surface on the left and an enamelsurface on the right in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 4A illustrates one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosureof a stream probe having a pump portion supplying a continuous stream ofgas via a tube to a probe tip while measuring the internal tubepressure;

FIG. 4B illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the stream probe ofFIG. 4A having one exemplary embodiment of a pump portion supplying acontinuous stream of gas via a tube to a probe tip while measuring theinternal pump pressure;

FIG. 4C illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the stream probe ofFIGS. 4A and 4B having another exemplary embodiment of a pump portionsupplying a generally continuous stream of gas via a tube to a probe tipwhile measuring the internal pump pressure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a sample pressure measurement of the stream probe ofFIG. 4A as a function of time:

FIG. 6 illustrates a sample pressure signal amplitude as a function ofdistance of the probe tip of FIG. 4A to various dental surfaces;

FIG. 7 illustrates a system for detecting the presence of a substance ona surface according to one exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure wherein on the left is illustrated one embodiment of a streamprobe having a partial blockage from dental surface material such asdental plaque while on the right is illustrated one embodiment of anunblocked stream probe;

FIG. 8 illustrates on the left a sample pressure measurement versus timefor the unblocked stream probe of FIG. 7 and on the right illustrates asample pressure measurement versus time for the partially blocked streamprobe of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 illustrates a pressure signal versus time for a stream probehaving a Teflon tip in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a stream probe system incorporated into a dentalapparatus such as an electric toothbrush in accordance with oneexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates a view of the brush of the dental apparatus takenalong line 211-211 of FIG. 10 having a stream probe tip at a positionwithin the bristles of the brush;

FIG. 12 illustrates an alternate exemplary embodiment of the view of thebrush of FIG. 11 wherein the stream probe tip extends distally from thebristles of the brush;

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternate exemplary embodiment of the streamprobe of FIG. 4A having a pump portion supplying a continuous stream ofgas via a tube to two probe tips while measuring the internal tubepressure at the inlet to a first stream probe tip and the internalpressure at the inlet to a second stream probe tip;

FIG. 14 illustrates an alternate exemplary embodiment of the brush ofFIG. 10 that includes multiple stream probes on the brush that includesthe base of the brush such as according to the embodiment of a streamprobe according to FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 illustrates another view of the brush of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 illustrates still another view of the brush of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 illustrates another alternate exemplary embodiment of the brushof FIG. 10 that includes multiple stream probes on the brush thatincludes the base of the brush;

FIG. 18 illustrates another view of the brush of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 illustrates still another view of the brush of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosureof a system for detecting the presence of a substance on a surfacewherein a stream probe operating apparatus includes a first streamprobe;

FIG. 21 illustrates the system of FIG. 20 wherein another stream probeoperating apparatus includes a second stream probe;

FIG. 22 illustrates the system of FIGS. 20 and 21 wherein a motor isoperably connected to a common shaft that operates the stream probeoperating apparatuses of FIGS. 20 and 21;

FIG. 23 illustrates a detection apparatus that includes a first streamprobe to detect plaque and a second stream probe to detect the gum of asubject or of a user of the apparatus according to one exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along section 24-24 of FIG. 23showing the cross-section of the first stream probe and of the secondstream probe wherein the second stream probe is arranged concentricallyaround the first stream probe;

FIG. 25A is a partial side view of distal tips of distal probe portionsof the first stream probe and the second stream probe of FIG. 23 whereinthe distal tips both have a concave profile;

FIG. 25B is a partial side view of an alternate exemplary embodiment ofdistal tips of distal probe portions of the first stream probe and thesecond stream probe of FIGS. 23 and 25A wherein the distal tip of thedistal probe portion of the first stream has a concave profile and thedistal tip of the distal probe portion of the second stream has a convexprofile;

FIG. 25C is a partial side view of an alternate exemplary embodiment ofdistal tips of distal probe portions of the first stream probe and thesecond stream probe of FIG. 25B wherein the distal tip of the distalprobe portion of the first stream has a concave profile and the distaltip of the distal probe portion of the second stream has a convexprofile;

FIG. 25D is a partial side view of an alternate exemplary embodiment ofdistal tips of distal probe portions of the first stream probe and thesecond stream probe of FIGS. 23, 25A, 25B and 25C wherein the distaltips both have a convex profile;

FIG. 26A is a cross-sectional view an alternate exemplary embodiment ofthe distal probe portions of FIG. 24 wherein the second stream probedefines an arcuate, non-circular cross section in a direction transverseto its longitudinal axis and wherein the distal probe portion of thefirst stream probe defines a circular cross section in a directiontransverse to its longitudinal axis;

FIG. 26B is a cross-sectional view an alternate exemplary embodiment ofthe distal probe portions of FIG. 26A wherein the distal probe portionof the first stream tube has a diameter such that the outer surface ofthe distal probe portion of the first stream probe contacts the innersurface of the distal probe portion of the second stream probe;

FIG. 26C illustrates still another alternate exemplary embodiment of thedistal probe portion of the first stream probe of FIGS. 26A and 26Bwherein the distal probe portion of the first stream probe is formed bya pair of parallel plates wherein lateral edges of the parallel platesare in contact with the inner surface of the distal probe portion of thesecond stream probe;

FIG. 27 illustrates still another alternate exemplary embodiment of thedistal probe portions of the first and second stream probes of FIGS.23-25D wherein the distal probe portion of the first stream probe andthe distal probe portion of the second stream probe are disposedseparately in proximity to one another and such that the longitudinalaxes are parallel to one another;

FIG. 28 illustrates another alternate exemplary embodiment of the distalprobe portions of the first and second stream probes of FIG. 27 exceptthat the distal probe portion of the second stream probe defines anarcuate, non-circular cross section in the direction transverse to itslongitudinal axis in a similar manner to the second stream probes ofFIGS. 26A-26C;

FIG. 29 illustrates yet another alternate exemplary embodiment of thedistal probe portions of FIGS. 27 and 28 except that except that thedistal tip of the distal probe portion extends distally beyond thedistal tip of the distal probe portion of the second stream probe andeach distal tip has a flat or straight or flush profile;

FIG. 30 is a generic composite partially schematic block diagram of adetection apparatus that includes a stream probe to detect plaque and anoptical gum detector to detect the gum of a subject or of a user of theapparatus according to one exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 31 illustrates one particular embodiment of a detection apparatusof FIG. 30 according to the present disclosure wherein a distal oralinsertion portion includes an optical transmitting fibre and an opticalreceiving fibre and a proximal body portion includes multiple lightsources transmitting light through a combiner to the opticaltransmitting fibre;

FIG. 32 illustrates another particular embodiment of a detectionapparatus of FIG. 30 according to the present disclosure wherein adistal oral insertion portion includes an optical transmitting fibre andan optical receiving fibre and a proximal body portion includes anoptical receiving fibre transmitting light to two optical detectors;

FIG. 33 illustrates a detailed view of a distal oral insertion portionof a detection apparatus according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure wherein the distal oral insertion portion includes a brushwherein a stream probe tip is at a position between a transmittingoptical fibre and a receiving optical fibre within the bristles of thebrush;

FIG. 34 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the dental apparatus ofFIG. 10 wherein a stream probe for plaque detection and an opticaldetector for gum detection are incorporated into a dental apparatus suchas the electric toothbrush of FIG. 33 in accordance with one exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 34A is a detailed view of the circled portion of the dentalapparatus of FIG. 34 illustrating a connection between the stream probeand the optical fibres of FIG. 33 within the bristles of the brush ofthe dental apparatus;

FIG. 34B is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 34B-34B ofFIG. 34A illustrating one exemplary embodiment for routing of the streamprobe and the optical fibres in the bristle support member of the brushof the dental apparatus of FIGS. 33, 34 and 34A;

FIG. 35 illustrates a graphical plot of experimental measurements of thereflectivity of gum and teeth as a function of spectral wavelength;

FIG. 36 illustrates white, yellow and seriously stained teeth for whichplaque and gum detection measurements were experimentally determined inthe circled locations;

FIG. 37 illustrates a graphical plot of the experimental measurementsfor the plaque and gum detection measurements for the teeth illustratedin FIG. 36:

FIG. 38 illustrates a graphical plot of red and green signals measuredon tooth and gum;

FIG. 39 illustrates a graphical plot the signal levels for plaque andgum detection as a function of distance of the probe from a bovinetooth;

FIG. 40 illustrates another particular embodiment of a detectionapparatus of FIG. 30 according to the present disclosure wherein adistal oral insertion portion includes first and second opticaltransmitting fibres without an optical combiner on the proximal bodyportion and an optical receiving fibre feeds a single optical detector;

FIG. 41 illustrates another particular embodiment of the detectionapparatus of FIG. 32 according to the present disclosure wherein thedistal optical transmitting fibre has a shorter length compared to thedistal optical receiving fibre to establish a broad illumination area;

FIG. 42 illustrates another particular embodiment of the detectionapparatus of FIG. 32 according to the present disclosure wherein thedistal optical receiving fibre has a shorter length compared to thedistal optical transmitting fibre to establish a broad collection area;

FIG. 43 illustrates another particular embodiment of the detectionapparatus of FIG. 40 according to the present disclosure wherein asecond optical receiving fibre feeds a second optical detector;

FIG. 44 illustrates another particular embodiment of the detectionapparatus of FIG. 31 according to the present disclosure wherein theproximal body portion includes two light sources transmitting light tothe proximal optical transmitting fibre through lenses and a dichroiccube;

FIG. 45 illustrates a distal oral insertion portion of a detectionapparatus according to one exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure wherein the distal oral insertion portion defines alongitudinal centerline along its length to define a first side and asecond side wherein a first detection apparatus that includes a streamprobe for plaque detection and an optical detector for gum detection isdisposed on the first side and a second detection apparatus thatincludes a stream probe for plaque detection and an optical detector forgum detection is disposed on the second side; and

FIG. 46 illustrates optical coupling between the proximal optical gumdetector transmission portion and distal optical gum detectortransmission portion and between the distal optical gum detectorreception portion and proximal optical gum detector reception portion ofthe detection apparatus of FIG. 30 wherein the coupling is affected byair transfers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure describes various embodiments of systems,devices, and methods related to assisting users to clean their teeth, inparticular by informing users if they are indeed removing plaque fromtheir teeth and if they have fully removed the plaque, providing bothreassurance and coaching them into good habits. In one exemplaryembodiment, the information is provided in real time during brushing, asotherwise consumer acceptance is likely to be low. For example, it isuseful if a toothbrush gives the user a signal when the position atwhich they are brushing is clean, so they can move to the next tooth.This may reduce their brushing time, but will also lead to a better,more conscious brushing routine.

A particular goal of utilization of the exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure is to be able to detect plaque within a vibratingbrush system surrounded with toothpaste foam, e.g., a Philips Sonicaretoothbrush. The detection system should provide contrast between asurface with the thicker, removable plaque layers, and a more cleanpellicle/calculus/thin plaque/tooth surface.

As defined herein, the term “is coupled to” may also be interpreted as“is configured to be coupled to”. The term “to transmit” may also beinterpreted as “to enable transmission of”. The term “to receive” mayalso be interpreted as “to enable reception of”.

FIG. 1 illustrates a method of detecting the presence of a substance ona surface, e.g., a substance such as dental plaque on a surface such astooth enamel, using a stream probe 10 according to one exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure. The stream probe 10, exemplarilyillustrated as a cylindrical tube member, defines a proximal end 16, aninterior channel 15 and a distal probe tip 12. The interior channel 15contains a fluid medium 14, e.g. a gas or a liquid. The probe tip 12 isplaced in the proximity of a surface 13, e.g. a dental surface. Theprobe 10 is immersed in a fluid medium 11, e.g. an aqueous solution suchas a dental cleaning solution. Probe fluid medium 14 flows through theprobe channel 15 and touches surface 13 in interaction zone 17. Theproperties of the interaction zone 17 are probed via the outflow ofprobe medium 14.

As described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 10, an apparatusor instrument for detecting the presence of a substance on a surface,such as a dental cleaning instrument including an electric toothbrushhaving an integrated stream probe plaque detection system, is configuredsuch that fluid medium 14 is brought in contact with surface 13, e.g. adental surface, at probe tip 12, generating interaction zone 17 betweendistal tip 12 and surface 13.

The shape and/or dynamics of the medium 14 in the interaction zone 17depend on the properties of the surface 13 and/or on materials derivedfrom the surface 13, the pressure and/or shape and/or dynamics of themedium 14 in the interaction zone 17 are detected and a determination ismade by a controller as to whether a predetermined maximum acceptablelevel of plaque is detected at the particular dental surface 13, asdescribed in more detail below with respect to FIG. 10.

More particularly, when medium 14 is a gas 30 (see FIG. 2), then a gasmeniscus will appear at the tip 12 and will become in contact withsurface 13. The shape and dynamics of the gas at the tip will depend onthe properties of the probe tip 12 (e.g. tip material, surface energy,shape, diameter, roughness), properties of solution 11 (e.g. materialscomposition), properties of medium 14 (e.g. pressure, flow speed), andproperties of surface 13 (e.g. viscoelastic properties, surface tension)and/or on materials derived from the surface 13 (viscoelasticproperties, adherence to surface, texture etc.).

FIG. 2 illustrates the influence of surface tension. In the case of asurface with a high surface energy or a strongly hydrated surface, e.g.a hydrophilic surface 31 such as the surface of plaque as illustrated inthe left photograph, the gas 30 will not easily displace the aqueousmedium 11 from the surface 31 near the interaction zone 17.

In the case of a surface with a low surface energy or a less hydratedsurface, e.g. a less hydrophilic surface 33 such as the enamel surfaceof a tooth as illustrated in the right photograph, the gas 30 moreeasily displaces the aqueous medium 11 from the surface 33. Theproperties (shape, pressure, release rate, etc) of bubbles 32 and 34depend on the surface tension of the dental surface 31 or 33. This isreferred to as the bubble method. That is, the stream probe or distalprobe portion 10 is configured such that passage of the second fluidsuch as the gas 30 through the distal tip 12 enables detection of asubstance that may be present on the surface 31 or 33 based onmeasurement of a signal correlating to, in proximity to the surface 31or 33, one or more bubbles 32 or 34 generated by the second fluid suchas the gas 30 in the first fluid such as the aqueous medium 11.

FIG. 3 illustrates photographs of such types of air bubbles 32 and 34from stream probe 10 under aqueous solution 11, e.g., water. Asillustrated in the left photograph, an air bubble 32 does not stick on awet plaque layer 31, while, as illustrated in the right photograph, airbubble 34 does stick on enamel surface 33, showing that the plaque layer31 is more hydrophilic as compared to enamel surface 33.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C each illustrate a detection apparatus or instrumentfor detecting the presence of a substance on a surface according toexemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the detectionapparatus is exemplified by a stream probe that includes a parametersensor to demonstrate the principle of plaque detection by parametersensing and measurement. As defined herein, a parameter sensor includesa pressure sensor or a strain sensor or a flow sensor, or combinationsthereof, which sense a physical measurement represented by a signal thatis indicative of blockage of flow in the stream probe which may, inturn, be indicative of plaque or other substance blocking flow in thestream probe. A flow sensor which measures differential pressure or flowof heat from a wire which has been heated above ambient temperature areflow sensors or other means known or to be conceived for pressure,strain or flow or other measurement, including chemical or biologicalmeasurements, are included within the definition of a parameter sensorwhich sense a physical measurement represented by a signal that isindicative of blockage of flow in the stream probe which may beindicative of plaque or other substance blocking flow in the streamprobe. For simplicity, for the purposes of description, the parametersensor or sensors are exemplified by one or more pressure sensors.Although the locations for the parameter sensors illustrated in thefigures are intended to apply generically to each different type ofparameter, those skilled in the art will recognize that the location ofthe parameter sensor may be adjusted, if necessary, from the location orlocations shown in the drawings, depending on the specific type ofparameter sensor or sensors being employed. The embodiments are notlimited in this context.

More particularly, in FIG. 4A, a stream probe 100 includes a proximalpump portion 124 such as a tubular syringe portion as shown, a centralparameter sensing portion 120, exemplarily having a tubularconfiguration as shown, and a distal probe portion 110, also exemplarilyhaving a tubular configuration as shown, defining a distal probe tip112. The distal tubular probe portion 110 defines a first length L1 anda first cross-sectional area A1, the central parameter sensing tubularportion 120 defines a second length L2 and a second cross-sectional areaA2, while the proximal tubular syringe portion 124 defines a thirdlength L3 and a third cross-sectional area A3. The proximal tubularsyringe portion 124 includes, e.g., in the exemplary embodiment of FIG.4A, a reciprocally movable plunger 126 initially disposed in thevicinity of proximal end 124′.

A continuous fluid steam 130 of air is supplied by the plunger 126through the central parameter sensing portion tubular portion 120 to theprobe tip 112 when the plunger moves longitudinally along the length L3at a constant velocity and away from the proximal end 124′. When thefluid stream 130 is a gas, a continuous stream 130 of gas is suppliedthrough the plunger 126 (such as via an aperture 128 in the plunger 126(see plunger 126′ in FIG. 4B) or from a branch connection 122 connectingto the central parameter sensing tubular portion 120 to the probe tip112. In one exemplary embodiment, at a location upstream from the branchconnection 122, a restriction orifice 140 may be disposed in the centralparameter sensing tubular portion 120.

As the plunger 126 moves along the length L3 towards distal end 124″ ofthe proximal tubular syringe portion 124, the pressure inside thecentral parameter sensing tubular portion 120 is measured (downstream ofrestriction orifice 140 when the restriction orifice 140 is present)using pressure meter P that is in fluid communication with the centralparameter sensing tubular portion 120 and the distal tubular probeportion 110 via the branch connection 122.

When the plunger 126 moves the pressure at pressure meter P versus timecharacterizes the interaction of the gas meniscus at the tip 112 of theprobe 110 with the surface (see FIG. 1, surface 13, and FIGS. 2 and 3,surfaces 31 and 33). The presence of the restriction orifice 140improves the response time of the pressure meter P since only the volumeof the stream probe 100 downstream of the restriction orifice 140 isrelevant and the stream probe 100 behaves more closely or approximatelyas a flow source rather than a pressure source. The volume upstream ofthe restriction orifice 140 becomes less relevant.

For the bubble method, the pressure difference is generally constant,which means that the bubble size varies and so the bubble rate varieswith constant plunger velocity, because the volume in the systemchanges. A reciprocally moveable plunger may be used to obtain agenerally fixed bubble rate. As described above, in one exemplaryembodiment, the pressure sensor P may function either alternatively oradditionally as a flow sensor, e.g., as a differential pressure sensor.Those skilled in the art will recognize that flow of the fluid stream orsecond fluid 130 through the distal probe tip 112 may be detected bymeans other than pressure sensors such as pressure sensor P, e.g.,acoustically or thermally. The embodiments are not limited in thiscontext. Consequently, the movement of the plunger 126 induces a changein pressure or volumetric or mass flow through the distal probe tip 112.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a pressure signal (measured inNewtons/sq. meter, N/m²) as a function of time (1 division correspondswith a second) utilizing the stream probe 100 of FIG. 4A. The regularvariation of the signal is caused by the regular release of gas bubblesat the probe tip 112.

The sensitivity of the pressure readings can be increased by carefullychoosing the dimensions of the components. The total volume VI (equal toA1×L1) plus volume V2 (equal to A2×L2) plus volume V3 (equal to A3×L3)from both the tube 120 and the syringe 124 together with the probe 110,form an acoustical low-pass filter. In the exemplary stream probe 100 ofFIG. 4A, the cross-sectional area A3 is greater than the cross-sectionalarea A2 which in turn is greater than the cross-sectional area A1. Thegas flow resistance in the system should be designed small enough tohave a good system response time. When bubble-induced pressuredifferences are recorded, then the ratio between bubble volume and totalsystem volume should be large enough to have a sufficient pressuredifference signal due to air bubble release at the probe tip 112. Alsothe thermo-viscous losses of the pressure wave interacting with thewalls of tube 120 as well as the probe 110 must be taken into account,as they can lead to a loss of signal.

In the stream probe 100 illustrated in FIG. 4A, the three volumes differfrom one another as an example. However, the three volumes could beequal to one another or the pump volume could be less than the probevolume.

FIG. 4B illustrates an alternate exemplary embodiment of a stream probeaccording to the present disclosure. More particularly, in stream probe100′, the central parameter sensing portion 120 of stream probe 100 inFIG. 4A is omitted and stream probe 100′ includes only proximal pumpportion 124 and distal probe portion 110. A pressure sensor P1 is nowexemplarily positioned at plunger 126′ to sense pressure in the proximalpump portion 124 via an aperture 128 in the plunger 126′.

Alternatively, a pressure sensor P2 may be positioned in the distalprobe portion 110 at a mechanical connection 230. In a similar manner asdescribed above with respect to FIG. 4A and restriction orifice 140, inone exemplary embodiment, a restriction orifice 240 may be disposed inthe distal probe portion 110 upstream of the mechanical connection 230and thus upstream of pressure sensor P2. Again, the presence of therestriction orifice 240 improves the response time of the pressure meterP2 since only the volume of the stream probe 100′ downstream of therestriction orifice 240 is relevant and the stream probe 100′ behavesmore closely or approximately as a flow source rather than a pressuresource. The volume upstream of the restriction orifice 240 becomes lessrelevant.

However, it should be noted that for the case of pressure sensor P1, therestriction orifice 240 is optional and is not required for propersensing of the pressure in distal probe portion 110.

In one exemplary embodiment, the pressure sensor P2 may function eitheralternatively or additionally as a flow sensor, e.g., as a differentialpressure sensor. Those skilled in the art will recognize that flow ofthe second fluid through the distal probe tip 112 may be detected bymeans other than pressure sensors such as pressure sensor P2, e.g.,acoustically or thermally. The embodiments are not limited in thiscontext. Consequently, the movement of the plunger 126 induces a changein pressure or volumetric or mass flow through the distal probe tip 112.

In a similar manner as described with respect to stream probe 100 inFIG. 4A, volume V3 of the proximal pump portion 124 may be greater thanvolume V1 of the distal probe portion 110 in stream probe 100′ in FIG.4B, as illustrated. Alternatively, the two volumes may be equal to oneanother or volume V3 may be less than volume V1.

It should be noted that when restriction orifice 140 is present instream probe 100 illustrated in FIG. 4A, the volume V3 and the portionof the volume V2 upstream of the restriction orifice 140 become lessrelevant to the pressure response as compared to the volume in theportion of volume V2 downstream of the restriction orifice 140 and thevolume V1.

Similarly, when restriction orifice 240 is present in stream probe 100′illustrated in FIG. 4B, the volume V3 and the volume V1 upstream ofrestriction orifice 240 become less relevant to the pressure response ascompared to the volume V1 downstream of the restriction orifice 240.

Additionally, those skilled in the art will recognize that therestriction of flow via orifices 140 and 240 may be effected by crimpingcentral parameter sensing tubular portion 120 or distal probe portion110 in lieu of installing a restriction orifice. As defined herein, arestriction orifice includes a crimped section of tubing.

Alternatively, a parameter sensor represented by strain gauge 132 may bedisposed on the external surface of the distal probe 110. The straingauge 132 may also be disposed on the external surface of the proximalpump portion 124 (not shown). The strain readings sensed by strain gauge132 may be read directly or converted to pressure readings as a functionof time to yield a readout similar to FIG. 5 as an alternative method todetermine the release of gas bubbles at the probe tip 112.

FIG. 4C illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the stream probemore particularly of FIG. 4A and of FIG. 4B having another exemplaryembodiment of a pump portion supplying a generally continuous stream ofgas via a tube to a probe tip while sensing a parameter indicative ofblockage of flow in the stream probe, which may, in turn, be indicativeof plaque or other substance blocking flow in the stream probe. Moreparticularly, stream probe 100″ exemplifies a fluid pump designed toprovide a generally continuous flow, which is generally advantageous inoperation. Stream probe 100″ is generally similar to stream probe 100 ofFIG. 4A and includes distal probe portion 110 and distal probe tip 112and central parameter sensing portion 120′ which also includes parametersensor P represented by a pressure sensor and also may includerestriction orifice 140 upstream of the pressure sensor P.

Stream probe 100″ differs from stream probe 100 in that proximal pumpportion 124 is replaced by proximal pump portion 142 wherein, in placeof reciprocating plunger 126, that reciprocates along center line axisX1-X1′ of the proximal pump portion 124, diaphragm pump 150 reciprocatesin a direction transverse to longitudinal axis X2-X2′ of proximal pumpportion 124, the direction of reciprocation of diaphragm pump 150indicated by double arrow Y1-Y2, The diaphragm pump 150 includes a motor152 (represented by a shaft) and an eccentric mechanism 154 which isoperatively connected to a connecting rod or shaft 156 that in turn isoperatively connected to a flexible or compressible diaphragm 158

An air intake supply path 160 is in fluid communication with proximalpump portion 142 to supply air from the ambient surroundings to theproximal pump portion 142. The air intake supply path 160 includes anintake conduit member 162 having a suction intake port 162 a from theambient air and a downstream connection 162 b to the proximal pumpportion 142, thereby providing fluid communication between the proximalpump portion 142 and the ambient air via the suction port 162 a. Asuction flow interruption device 164, e.g. a check valve, is disposed inthe intake conduit member 162 between the suction port 162 a and thedownstream connection 162 b. A suction intake filter 166, e.g. amembrane made from a porous material such as expandedpolytetraflouroethylene ePTFE (sold under the trade name Gore-Tex® by W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., Elkton, Md., USA) may be disposed in the airintake supply path 160 in the intake conduit member 162 upstream of thesuction flow interruption device 164 and generally in proximity of thesuction intake port 162 a to facilitate periodic replacement.

The central parameter sensing portion 120′ serves also as a dischargeflow path for the proximal pump portion 142. A proximal pump portiondischarge flow path flow interruption device 168, e.g., a check valve,is disposed in the central parameter sensing portion 120′ upstream ofthe parameter sensor P and, when present, the restriction orifice 140.

Thus the distal tip 112 is in fluid communication with the suctionintake port 162 a of the air intake conduit member 162 of the air intakesupply path 160 via the distal probe portion 110, the central parametersensing portion 120′ and the proximal pump portion 142.

During operation of the motor 152, the motor 152 rotates, in thedirection indicated by arrow Z, the eccentric mechanism 154, therebyimparting a reciprocating motion to the connecting rod or shaft 156.When the connecting rod or shaft 156 moves in the direction of arrow Y1towards the motor 152, the flexible or compressible diaphragm 158 movesalso in the direction of arrow Y1 towards the motor 152, thereby causinga reduction in pressure within the interior volume V′ of the proximalpump portion 142. The reduction in pressure causes pump portiondischarge flow path flow interruption device 168 to close and causes thesuction flow interruption device 164 to open, thereby drawing airthrough the suction intake port 162 a.

The eccentric mechanism 154 continues to rotate in the direction ofarrow Z, until the connecting rod or shaft 156 moves in the direction ofarrow Y2 away from the motor 152 and towards the flexible orcompressible diaphragm 158 such that the flexible or compressiblediaphragm 158 moves also in the direction of arrow Y2 towards theinterior volume V′, thereby causing an increase in pressure within theinterior volume V′ of the proximal pump portion 142. The increase inpressure causes the suction flow interruption device 164 to close andthe pump portion discharge flow path flow interruption device 168 toopen, thereby causing air flow through the central parameter sensingportion 120′ and the distal probe portion 110 through the distal tip112.

When restriction orifice 140 is deployed and disposed in the centralparameter sensing portion 120′, which, as indicated above, serves alsoas a discharge flow path for the proximal pump portion 142, a low passfilter function is performed by volume V″ between pump portion dischargeflow path flow interruption device 168 and restriction orifice 140.Thus, when restriction orifice 140 is deployed, pump portion dischargeflow path flow interruption device 168 must be upstream of therestriction orifice 140. As a result, high frequency pulsations arefiltered out of the air flow to the distal tip 112.

The piston or plunger 126, 126′ of pump portion 124 of FIGS. 4A and 4Band liquid diaphragm pump 150 of FIG. 4C are examples of positivedisplacement pumps or compressors which may be employed to cause thedesired changes in pressure at the distal tip 112 or the distal probeportion 110. Other types of positive displacement pumps or compressors,as well as centrifugal pumps or other types of pumps known in the artmay be employed to cause the desired changes in pressure or flow at thedistal tip 112.

FIG. 6 shows pressure amplitude data as a function of the distance d1 ord2 between probe tip 112 and surface 13 in FIG. 1 or surfaces 31 and 33in FIG. 2, measured for different surfaces. A plastic needle with 0.42mm inner diameter was used. Clear differences are visible at distancesup to 0.6 mm, where the most hydrophobic surface (Teflon) gives thelargest pressure signal, while the most hydrophilic surface (plaque)gives the lowest signal.

It should be noted that the data presented in FIGS. 5 and 6 were takenwithout the inclusion of restriction orifices.

FIGS. 1-6 have described a first method of detecting the presence of asubstance on a surface, which includes the measurement of bubble releasefrom a tip (by pressure and/or pressure variations and/or bubble sizeand/or bubble release rate) as a method of detecting, for example,dental plaque at the probe tip 112. As described above with respect toFIGS. 1 and 2 and 6, the probe tip 112 is positioned at a distance d1 ord2 away from the surface such as surface 13 in FIG. 1 or surfaces 31 and33 in FIG. 2.

It should be noted that although the method of bubble generation anddetection has been described with respect to the second fluid being agas such as air, the method may also be effective when the second fluidis a liquid, wherein water droplets instead of gas bubbles are created.

Additionally, the method may be affected with constant pressure andmeasurement of the variable fluid outflow. The apparatus may record thevariable pressure and/or the variable flow of the second fluid. In oneexemplary embodiment, the pressure is recorded and the flow of thesecond fluid is controlled, e.g., the flow is kept constant. In anotherexemplary embodiment, the flow is recorded and the pressure of thesecond fluid is controlled, e.g., the pressure is kept constant.

In a second method of detecting the presence of a substance on a surfaceaccording to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 7illustrates the influence of blocking of the probe tip 112 of the probe110 of FIG. 4A, 4B or 4C. The probe or stream probe tubular member orstream probe 110′ illustrated in FIG. 7 includes a proximal end 138 andinterior channel 134. The stream probe or stream probe tubular member110′ differs from stream probe 110 in FIG. 4A, 4B or 4C in that thestream probe 110′ includes a chamfered or beveled distal tip 112′ havingan open port 136 that is chamfered at an angle α with respect to thehorizontal surface 31 or 33 such that passage of the second fluid mediumthrough the distal tip 112, now designated as second fluid medium 30′since it has exited from the distal tip 112′, is enabled when the distaltip 112′ touches the surface 31 or 33 and the second fluid medium 30′ isalso enabled to flow through the chamfered open port 136. The angle α ofthe chamfer of the open port 136 is such that passage of the secondfluid medium 30′ through the distal tip 112′ is at least partiallyobstructed when the distal tip 112′ touches the surface 31 or 33 and asubstance 116, such as viscoelastic material 116, at least partiallyobstructs the passage of fluid through the open port 136 of the distaltip 112′. Although only one probe 110′ is required to detect obstructionof the passage of fluid, in one exemplary embodiment, it may be desiredto deploy at least two probes 110′ as a system 3000 to detectobstruction of the passage of fluid (see the discussion below for FIGS.13-17 and FIGS. 19-21).

Alternatively, the probe tips 112 of FIG. 1, 2, 4A or 4B are utilizedwithout chamfered or beveled ends and simply held at an angle (such asangle α) to the surface 31 or 33. In one exemplary embodiment, thesubstance has a nonzero contact angle with water. In one exemplaryembodiment, the substance with a nonzero contact angle with water isenamel.

As illustrated on the left portion of FIG. 7, when the probe tip 112′becomes blocked by viscoelastic material 116 from the dental surface 31,then the fluid such as gas 30 will flow less easily out of the tip 112′,as compared to when probe tip 112′ is not blocked (second fluid medium30′) and is without dental material at the tip 112′ or at dental surface33, as illustrated in the right portion of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 illustrates pressure signals of a probe tip, e.g., a metal needlewith a bevel, moving on enamel without plaque, as illustrated on theleft, and on a sample with a plaque layer, as illustrated on the right.The increase in pressure seen in the right portion, attributed toobstruction of the needle opening by the plaque, can be sensed to detectif plaque is present.

FIG. 9 illustrates pressure signals of an airflow from a Teflon tipmoving over water, region 1, PMMA (polymethyl methylacrylate) region 2,PMMA with plaque region 3, and water region 4. The tip moves (from leftto right) over water region 1, PMMA region 2, PMMA with plaque region 3,and again over water region 4. The Teflon tip is not shown).

When reference is made to pressure differences herein, consideration ofthe following should be taken into account. In FIG. 8, the fluid stream30 is obstructed when the pressure increases on the left panel. So theparameter of interest is the average pressure or average or momentarypeak pressure.

In contrast, FIG. 9 illustrates identical signals for a smaller probetip, in which case a much smoother signal is obtained.

The data presented in FIGS. 8 and 9 were taken without the inclusion ofrestriction orifices.

In preliminary experiments according to FIG. 2, we have observed thefollowing:

Dental plaque (in wet state) is more hydrophilic than clean enamel, asshown in FIG. 3.

The release of air bubbles from the tip is measurable by pressurevariations. A syringe with constant displacement velocity gives asawtooth-like signal of pressure as a function of time. This is shown inthe oscilloscope photograph in FIG. 5.

In case of close approach between tip and surface, the amplitude of thesawtooth signal is smaller when the probed surface is more hydrophilicthan when the surface is less hydrophilic. So, smaller air bubbles arereleased on the more hydrophilic surface. This is also demonstrated bythe measurements in FIG. 6, where the pressure signal amplitude as afunction of distance d1 or d2 from the tip to the surface (see FIGS. 1and 2) is given for different surfaces.

In preliminary experiments according to FIG. 7, we have observed thefollowing:

An unblocked tip gives a regular release of air bubbles and asawtooth-like pattern of pressure versus time, when a syringe is usedwith a constant displacement velocity. See the left panel of FIG. 8.

In an experiment with a metal tip moving through plaque material, anincrease of pressure and an irregular sawtooth-like pattern of pressureversus time was observed, due to blocking of the tip by plaque materialand opening of the tip by the air. See the right panel of FIG. 8.

In an experiment with a Teflon tip, clear signal differences were seenfor different materials at the tip opening (from left to right: tip inwater, tip above PMMA, above PMMA with plaque, and again tip in water).

These preliminary experiments indicate that the measurement of bubblerelease from a tip (by pressure and/or pressure variations and/or bubblesize and/or bubble release rate) may become a suitable method to detectdental plaque at the tip. Accordingly, in view of the foregoing, at aminimum, the novel features of the exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure are characterized in that:

(a) fluid medium 14 is brought in contact with surface 13 at probe tip12, generating interaction zone 17 between tip 12 and surface 13 (seeFIG. 1); and (b) the shape and/or dynamics of the medium 14 in theinteraction zone 17 depend on the properties of the surface 13 and/or onmaterials derived from the surface 13; and (c) the pressure and/or shapeand/or dynamics of the medium 14 in the interaction zone 17 aredetected.

In view of the foregoing description of the two differing methods ofdetecting the presence of a substance on a surface, the proximal pumpportion 124 in FIGS. 4A and 4B effectively functions as a syringe.During injection of the plunger 126 or 126′ distally, gas or air flow orliquid flow at the tip 112 in FIGS. 4A and 4B, or tip 112′ in FIG. 7,can be pushed outwardly away from the tip (when the plunger is pushed).

During retraction or reverse travel of the plunger 126 or 126′, gas orair flow or liquid flow can be suctioned inwardly at the tip 112 or 112′and in towards the probe tube 110 or 110′. In one exemplary embodiment,the plunger 126 or 126′ is operated automatically together with thevibration of the bristles of an electric toothbrush or where thebristles are not vibrating (e.g. using the same principle in a dentalfloss device). Accordingly, the syringe or pump 124 can be used for thestream method in which flow of gas or air is injected away from the tip112 and towards the enamel to generate bubbles 32 or 34. The bubbles andlocations are detected optically and depending on whether the surface ismore hydrophilic such as plaque or less hydrophilic such as enamel, thelocation of the bubble will determine whether there is plaque present.That is, the surface has a hydrophilicity which differs from thehydrophilicity of the substance to be detected, e.g., enamel has ahydrophilicity which is less than the hydrophilicity of plaque. The tip112 is located at a particular distance d2 (see FIG. 2) away from theenamel regardless of whether plaque is present or not.

Alternatively, pressure sensing can also be used for the bubble method.Referring also to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4A, the same pump portion 124functioning as a syringe can be used for the pressure sensing method asfollows. Fluid is injected towards the enamel surface 31 or 33. Theprobe tip 112 is initially located at a particular dimension away fromthe enamel surface such as d2 in FIG. 2. The pressure signal ismonitored as illustrated and described above in FIGS. 5 and 6. Bubblerelease measurements are performed by pressure and/or pressurevariations as described above.

In the second method of detecting the presence of a substance on asurface according to the exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the passage of the second fluidsuch as gas 30 through the distal tip 112 enables detection of substance116 that may be present on the surface 31 based on measurement of asignal, correlating to a substance at least partially obstructing thepassage of fluid through the open port of the distal tip 112′. Thesignal may include an increase or decrease in pressure or change inother variable as described above.

Since in one exemplary embodiment at least two probes 110′ are utilized,FIG. 7 illustrates a system 300 for detecting the presence of asubstance on a surface. In one exemplary embodiment, the probes 110′ arein contact with the surface 31 or 33 as described above. If there is noplaque at the surface 33, i.e., flow is unblocked, then the pressuresignal is as shown in FIG. 8, left panel. If there is plaque at thesurface, e.g., viscoelastic material 116, then the pressure signal is asshown in FIG. 8, right panel.

For practical applications, it is contemplated that the probe or probes110′ have a very small diameter, e.g., less than 0.5 millimeters, suchthat by their spring function, the probe tips 112′ will make contactwith the tooth surface 33. So when reaching the plaque the tube ispressed into this layer of plaque. The pressure signals illustrated inFIG. 8 were obtained with a single probe in contact.

Referring again to FIG. 7, in an alternate exemplary embodiment of thesecond method of detecting the presence of a substance on a surface,fluid is suctioned away from the enamel surface by reverse travel of theplunger 126 or 126′ proximally towards the proximal end 124′ of theproximal pump portion 124′ in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Fluid or gas inflow 30now becomes fluid or gas outflow 35 as illustrated by the dotted arrows(shown outside of the interior channel 134 for simplicity). If there isplaque 116 present, the plaque either is large enough to block theaperture at the probe tip or is small enough to be suctioned inside theprobe channel. The pressure signal becomes an inverted version of FIG.8. Lower pressure will be obtained in the presence of plaque.

As defined herein, regardless of the direction of flow of the secondfluid through the probe tip, obstruction can mean either a directobstruction by a substance at least partially, including entirely,blocking the tip itself or obstruction can mean indirectly by thepresence of a substance in the vicinity of the probe tip opening therebyperturbing the flow field of the second fluid.

In addition to performing the first and second methods by maintaining aconstant velocity of the plunger, the methods may be performed bymaintaining constant pressure in the proximal pump portion and measuringthe variable outflow of the second fluid from the probe tip. The readoutand control can be configured in different ways. For example, theapparatus may record the variable pressure and/or the variable flow ofthe second fluid. In one exemplary embodiment, the pressure is recordedand the flow of the second fluid is controlled, e.g., the flow is keptconstant. In another exemplary embodiment, the flow is recorded and thepressure of the second fluid is controlled, e.g., the pressure is keptconstant.

Additionally, when two or more probes 110′ are deployed for system 300,one of the probes 110′ may include pressure sensing of the flow of thesecond fluid through the distal probe tip 112′ while another of theprobes 110′ may include strain sensing or flow sensing.

Additionally, for either the first method of bubble detection or thesecond method of obstruction, although the flow of the second fluid isgenerally laminar, turbulent flow of the second fluid is also within thescope of present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a detection apparatus or instrument for detectingthe presence of a substance on a surface according to one exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure wherein the detection apparatus isexemplified by the integration of the stream probe into a dentalapparatus such as a tooth brush, forming thereby a detection apparatusfor detecting the presence of a substance on a surface.

Traditionally an electric toothbrush system, such as the PhilipsSonicare toothbrush mentioned above, comprises a body component and abrush component. Generally, the electronic components (motor, userinterface UI, display, battery etc.) are housed in the body, whilst thebrush component does not comprise electronic components. For thisreason, the brush component is easily exchangeable and replaceable at areasonable cost.

In one exemplary embodiment, detection apparatus or instrument 200,e.g., a dental cleaning instrument such as an electric toothbrush, isconfigured with a proximal body portion 210 and a distal oral insertionportion 250. The proximal body portion 210 defines a proximal end 212and a distal end 214. The distal oral insertion portion 250 defines aproximal end 260 and a distal end 262. The distal end 262 includes avibrating brush 252 with brush base 256 and bristles 254 and a distalportion of an air stream probe or a liquid stream probe such as airstream probe 100 described above with respect to FIG. 4A or 100′ withrespect to FIG. 4B. In conjunction with FIG. 4A, 4B or 4C, the detectionapparatus 200 is configured such that active components, e.g.,mechanical, electrical or electronic components, are incorporatedwithin, or disposed externally on, the proximal body portion 210, whilstthe passive components such as distal probe portion 110, areincorporated within, or disposed externally on, a distal portion,exemplified by, but not limited to, distal oral insertion portion 250.More particularly, probe tip 112 of probe 110 is incorporated close toor within the bristles 254 so as to intermingle with the bristles 254,while the central parameter sensing tubular portion 120 and the proximaltubular syringe portion 124 are incorporated within, or disposedexternally on, proximal body portion 210. Thus, the distal probe portion110 is at least partially in contact with the distal oral insertionportion 250. A portion 111 of the distal probe tip 110 is disposed onthe proximal body portion 210 and thus is a proximal probe portion.

In one exemplary embodiment, the distal oral insertion portion 250,including the brush 252 that includes brush base 256 and bristles 254,is exchangeable or replaceable. That is, the proximal body portion 210is removably attachable to the distal oral insertion portion 250.

Contact to the proximal body portion 210 with the active parts by thedistal oral insertion portion 250 is provided by a mechanical connection230 on the proximal body portion 210 that is disposed to interface thedistal end 214 of proximal body portion 210 and proximal end 260 ofdistal oral insertion portion 250, thereby interfacing the portion 111of the distal probe tip 110 with distal probe tip 110 disposed on thedistal oral insertion portion 250 such that an air stream is generatedand the pressure is sensed, such as at the location of parameter sensorP2 in FIG. 4B or parameter sensors P in FIG. 4A or 4C. Based on thepressure sensor signal, it is concluded if plaque is present at the areaof the probe tip 112. Thus, the proximal body portion 210 is removablyattachable to the distal probe portion, illustrated in FIG. 10 as thedistal oral insertion portion 250. via the mechanical connection 230.Those skilled in the art will recognize that, although the detectionapparatus or instrument 200 is illustrated in FIG. 10 such that thedistal oral insertion portion 250 and the proximal body portion 210 areremovably attachable from one another, and thus either one isreplaceable, the detection apparatus or instrument 200 can be configuredor formed as a unitary, integrated combined apparatus or instrumentwherein the distal oral insertion portion 250 and the proximal bodyportion 210 are not readily detachable from one another.

In addition, the stream probes 100, 100′ or 100″ may be utilizedindependently without including the brush 252, the brush base 256, orthe bristles 254, such as illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C. Thedetection apparatus or instrument 200 may be applied either with orwithout the brush 252, the brush base 256, or the bristles 254 both todental and non-dental applications to detect the presence of a substanceon a surface.

When the detection apparatus or instrument 200 is designed as a dentalcleaning instrument, the probe 110 may be dimensioned and made frommaterials selected so as to yield a rotational stiffness that isgenerally equivalent to the rotational stiffness of the bristles 254such that the probe 110 sweeps an area during operation generallyequivalent to the sweep area and timing of the bristle operation so asto reduce any potential discomfort to the user. The variablescontributing to the design of the stiffness include the dimensions, themass and the modulus of elasticity of the material selected.

In one exemplary embodiment, the active components comprise the pressuresensor P as described above. In conjunction with FIG. 1, the sensor P isused to sense the shape and/or dynamics of the medium 14 in theinteraction zone 17. Such a sensor has the advantage that it is robustand simple to use. The sensor P is in electrical communication withdetection electronics 220 that include a controller 225 that is inelectrical communication therewith.

In an alternate exemplary embodiment, the active component may comprisean optical, electrical or acoustic sensor such as, for example, amicrophone, in order to sense the shape and/or dynamics of the medium 14in the interaction zone 17.

The controller 225 can be a processor, microcontroller, a system on chip(SOC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. Collectively the oneor more components, which can include a processor, microcontroller, SOC,and/or FPGA, for performing the various functions and operationsdescribed herein are part of a controller, as recited, for example, inthe claims. The controller 225 can be provided as a single integratedcircuit (IC) chip which can be mounted on a single printed circuit board(PCB). Alternatively, the various circuit components of the controller,including, for example, the processor, microcontroller, etc. areprovided as one or more integrated circuit chips. That is, the variouscircuit components are located on one or more integrated circuit chips.

Furthermore, the active components enable a method of generating an airor liquid stream. A combined air with liquid stream is possible as well.The method may comprise an electrical or a mechanical pumping method,whereby the mechanical method may comprise a spring component which ismechanically activated, e.g., wherein plunger 126 in FIG. 4 ismechanically activated. In one exemplary embodiment, the method ofgenerating the air stream is an electrical pumping principle, as thiscombines well with the pressure sensing component described above. Inother exemplary embodiments, air may be replaced by other gases, e.g.,nitrogen or carbon dioxide. In such exemplary embodiments, while theproximal body portion 210 may include the proximal pump portion 124 andthe plunger 126 or other types of pumps to generate either constantpressure or constant flow of fluid, the proximal body portion 210 mayinclude a container of compressed gas (not shown) that is sized to fitwithin the proximal body portion 210 and is capable of providing eitherconstant pressure or constant flow via a valve control system (notshown).

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the passive components compriseonly a tube with an opening at the end, such as probe 110 and distal tip112 (see FIG. 10).

In still another exemplary embodiment, connection of the active andpassive components is realized by a mechanical coupling 230 of the tubeto the output of the pressure sensor. Such a coupling is ideallysubstantially pressure sealed. Pressure values are relatively low (<<1bar).

In operation, the sensing is carried out in a repetitive manner duringthe tooth brushing process. In a preferred exemplary embodiment, sensingis carried out at a frequency >1 Hz, more preferably >5 Hz and even morepreferably >10 Hz. Such a high frequency embodiment facilitates thedynamic and real time measurement of plaque removal as the toothbrush ismoved from tooth to tooth, as several measurements may be made on anindividual tooth (the dwell time on a given tooth is typically of theorder of 1-2 seconds).

In conjunction with FIG. 1, as described above, the shape and/ordynamics of the medium 14 in the interaction zone 17 depend on theproperties of the surface 13 and/or on materials derived from thesurface 13, the pressure and/or shape and/or dynamics of the medium 14in the interaction zone 17 are detected and a determination is made bythe controller 225 as to whether a level of plaque exceeding apredetermined maximum permissible level of plaque is detected at theparticular dental surface 13.

If a positive detection is made, no progression or advancement signal istransmitted to the user of the electric toothbrush until a predeterminedmaximum permissible plaque level is achieved at the particular dentalsurface 13 by continued cleaning at the dental surface 13 of thatparticular tooth.

Upon reduction of the level of plaque to at or below the maximumpermissible plaque level, i.e., a negative detection is made, aprogression signal or advancement signal is transmitted to the user toinform the user that it is acceptable to progress to an adjacent toothor other teeth by moving the vibrating brush and probe tip of the dentalapparatus.

Alternatively, if a positive detection is made, a signal is transmittedto the user of the electric toothbrush having an integrated stream probeplaque detection system to continue brushing the particular tooth.

Furthermore, there are several preferred modes of operation of thepassive component in the brush.

In a first mode operation, the tube is configured such that the tip ofthe tube is acoustically uncoupled from the vibration of the brush(which vibrates at about 265 Hz in a Philips Sonicare toothbrush). Thismay be achieved by only weakly coupling the tube to the brush head.

In a further mode of operation, the tube is configured such that the tipof the tube is static. This may be achieved by choosing the mechanicalproperties of the tube (stiffness, mass, length) such that the tip ofthe probe is at a static node of vibration at the driving frequency.Such a situation may be helped by adding additional weight to the end ofthe tube close to the opening.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, which is a partial cross-sectional view ofdistal oral insertion portion 250 in FIG. 10, in a further exemplaryembodiment, the effect of the motion of bristles of the toothbrush onthe sensing function is reduced by incorporating a spacing 258 aroundthe tube where the bristles are removed. More particularly, probe 110 inFIG. 11 illustrates a brush head 252 that includes base 256 and bristles254 that protrude generally orthogonally from the base 256. Spacing 258is positioned with removed bristle wires around probe tip 1121. Theprobe tip 1121 differs from probe tips 112 and 112′ in that probe tip1121 includes a 90 degree elbow 1122 so as to enable fluid flow throughthe probe 110 towards the surface 31 or 33.

In one exemplary embodiment, the spacing 258 should be of the order ofthe amplitude of the vibration of the bristles 254. In practice, thebristles vibrate with an amplitude of around 1-2 mm. This makes thesensing more robust.

In a further exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the probetip 1121 is situated distally beyond the area covered by the bristles254. This makes it possible to detect plaque which is present beyond thepresent position of the brush, for example plaque which has been missedby an incomplete brushing action.

As a further detail, ideally the angle of the brush 252 while brushingis 45 degrees with respect to the tooth surface 31 or 33. Ideally theangle of the probe tip 1121 is close to 0 degrees with respect to thetooth surface 31 or 33. At least two probes 110 and correspondingly atleast two pressure sensors and two pumps with a tip end 1121 of 45degrees with respect to the tooth surface 31 or 33, so that always oneprobe is interfacing optimally the surface 31 or 33.

In still a further exemplary embodiment, a plurality of probes areincorporated in the brush. These probes may alternatively be disposed orutilized at least as follows:

(a) positioned at multiple positions around the brush, to sense for(missed) plaque more effectively, or

(b) used for differential measurements to determine the degree andeffectiveness of the plaque removal.

In one exemplary embodiment, the plurality of probes may be realizedwith a single active sensing component and a multiplicity of passivecomponents, such as tubes, attached to a single pressure sensor.Alternatively, a plurality of active and passive sensing components maybe used.

The end of the tube may have many dimensions, as described above. Inalternative exemplary embodiments, the tip of the tube will be spacedfrom the surface of the tooth using a mechanical spacer. In someexemplary embodiments, the opening may be made at an angle to the tube.

FIGS. 13-22 illustrate examples of a detection system 3000 for detectingthe presence of a substance on a surface that employs the foregoingprinciples for detecting the presence of a substance on a surface viamultiple stream probes. More particularly, in one exemplary embodimentof the present disclosure, the system 3000 includes a detectionapparatus 1100 for detecting the presence of a substance on a surfacesuch as an air stream probe having proximal pump portion 124 and plunger126 as described above with respect to FIG. 4A and FIG. 10. It should benoted, however, that in lieu of proximal pump portion 124 and plunger126, proximal pump portion 142 and diaphragm pump 150, as describedabove with respect to FIG. 4C, may also be deployed to provide agenerally continuous flow 1100 for detecting the presence of a substanceon a surface in a similar manner as described below with respect to theproximal pump portion 124 and plunger 126.

The proximal pump portion 124 includes a central parameter sensingtubular portion 120′ configured with a distal tee connection 101defining a first leg 1011 and a second leg 1012. First stream probe 301having a distal probe tip 3112 is fluidically coupled to the first leg1011 and second stream probe 302 having a distal probe tip 3122 isfluidically coupled to the second leg 1012.

A pressure sensor P3 is connected to the first leg 1011 via branchconnection 312 in the vicinity of the first stream probe 301 and apressure sensor P4 is connected via branch connection 322 in thevicinity of second stream probe 302 to the second leg 1012. In assimilar manner as with respect to stream probe 100 described above withrespect to FIG. 4A, stream probe 100′ described above with respect toFIG. 4B and stream probe 100″ described above with respect to FIG. 4C,the stream probe 1100 may include a restriction orifice 3114 disposed infirst leg 1011 downstream of junction 314 between central parametersensing tubular portion 120′ and the first leg 1011 and upstream offirst stream probe 301 and pressure sensor P3. Similarly, a restrictionorifice 3124 may be disposed in second leg 1012 downstream of junction324 between central parameter sensing tubular portion 120′ and thesecond leg 1012 and upstream of second stream probe 302 and pressuresensor P4. Again, the presence of the restriction orifices 3114 and 3124improves the response time of the pressure meters P3 and P4 since onlythe volume of the stream probe 1100 downstream of the restrictionorifices 3114 and 3124 is relevant. The air flow into each pressuresensor P3 and P4 becomes approximately independent since the pressuredrops occur predominantly across the restriction orifices 3114 and 3124and the stream probe 1100 behaves more closely or approximately as aflow source rather than a pressure source. The volume upstream of therestriction orifice 240 becomes less relevant. The pressure sensors P3and P4 can each generally sense a pressure rise separately while beingdriven by single plunger 126.

Additionally, those skilled in the art will recognize that therestriction of flow via orifices 3114 and 3124 may be effected bycrimping the distal tee connection 101 in the vicinity of the junctions314 and 324 in lieu of installing a restriction orifice. Again, asdefined herein, a restriction orifice includes a crimped section oftubing.

In a similar manner as described above with respect to detectionapparatus 200 illustrated in FIG. 10, the sensors P3 and P4 are inelectrical communication with detection electronics and a controllersuch as detection electronics 220 that include controller 225 that is inelectrical communication therewith (see FIG. 10).

Upon detection of plaque by the detection electronics 220, thecontroller 225 generates a signal or an action step. Referring to FIG.10, in one exemplary embodiment, the controller 225 is in electricalcommunication with an audible or visible alarm 226 located on the suchas a constant or an intermittent sound such as a buzzer and/or aconstant or intermittent light that is intended to communicate to theuser to continue brushing his or her teeth or the subject's teeth atthat particular location.

In one exemplary embodiment, based upon the signals detected by thedetector electronics 220, the controller 225 may record data to generatean estimate of the quantity of plaque that is present on the teeth. Thedata may be in the form of a numerical quantity appearing on a screen125 in electrical communication with the detector electronics 220 andthe controller 225. The screen 125 may be located on, or extending from,the proximal body portion 210 as illustrated in FIG. 10. Those skilledin the art will recognize that the screen 125 may be located at otherpositions suitable for the user to monitor the data presented on thescreen.

The signalling to the user may include the controller 225 configuredadditionally as a transceiver to transmit and receive a wireless signal228′ to and from a base station 228 with various indicators on the basestation that generate the signal to trigger the audible or visual alarm226 or to record the numerical quantity or other display message such asan animation on the screen 125.

Alternatively, the controller 225 may be configured additionally as atransceiver to transmit and receive a wireless signal 229′ to a smartphone 229 that runs application software to generate animations on ascreen 231 that signal that plaque has been identified and instruct theuser to continue brushing in that location. Alternatively, theapplication software may present quantitative data on the amount ofplaque detected.

FIGS. 14-16 illustrate an alternate distal oral insertion portion 350that includes a brush 352 with bristles 354 mounted on brush base 356,and as illustrated in FIG. 14 as viewed looking towards the brush base356 and the upper tips of the bristles 354. As best illustrated in FIGS.15 and 16, extending generally orthogonally from horizontal uppersurface 356′ of brush base 356 are distal probe tips 3112 and 3122 whichenable multiple fluid flows to be directed towards the surface ofinterest such as surfaces 31 and 33 in FIGS. 2 and 7. Alternate oradditional positions for distal probe tips 3112 and 3122 are illustratedby the dotted lines in the vicinity of the proximal end of the brushbase 356 in FIG. 14.

In a similar manner, FIGS. 17-19 illustrate system 3010 for detectingthe presence of a substance on a surface that differs from system 3000in that system 3010 includes another alternate distal oral insertionportion 360 that includes the brush 352 with 352 with bristles 354mounted on brush base 356, and as illustrated in FIG. 17 as viewedlooking towards the brush base 356 and the upper tips of the bristles354. As best illustrated in FIG. 19, each extending at an angle β withrespect to the horizontal upper surface 356′ of brush base 356 aredistal probe tips 3212 and 3222 which enable multiple fluid flows to bedirected at angle β towards the surface of interest such as surfaces 31and 33 in FIGS. 2 and 7. In a similar manner, alternate or additionalpositions for distal probe tips 3212 and 3222 are illustrated by thedotted lines in the vicinity of the proximal end of the brush base 356in FIG. 17.

The distal oral insertion portions 350 and 360 illustrated in FIGS.14-16 and FIGS. 17-19 may be utilized for either: (a) the first methodof detecting the presence of a substance on a surface which includes themeasurement of bubble release from a tip (by pressure and/or pressurevariations and/or bubble size and/or bubble release rate), or (b) forthe second method of detecting the presence of a substance on a surfacewhich includes the passage of the second fluid such as a gas or a liquidthrough the distal tip based on measurement of a signal, correlating toa substance obstructing the passage of fluid through the open port ofthe distal tip.

FIGS. 20-22 illustrate exemplary embodiments of the system 3000 orsystem 3010 that includes multiple stream probes and correspondingproximal pump portions that may be operated by a common rotating shaftand motor. More particularly, FIG. 20 illustrates a first stream probeoperating apparatus 3100 that includes first stream probe 3100′. Firststream probe 3100′ is identical to the stream probe 100′ described abovewith respect to FIG. 4B and may include the proximal pump portion 124and plunger 126 and either the distal probe tip 3112 (see FIGS. 14-16)or the distal probe tip 3212 (see FIGS. 17-19). A rotary to linearmotion operating member 3102, which may be a cam mechanism asillustrated, is in operable communication with the plunger 126 via areciprocating shaft 3106 and a roller mechanism 3108 disposed on theproximal end of the shaft 3106.

The roller mechanism 3108 engages in a channel 3110 defining a path onthe periphery of the cam mechanism 3102. The channel 3110 extends alongthe path to include cam peaks 3102 a and cam troughs 3102 b. The cammechanism 3102 is mounted on and rotated by a common shaft 3104, in adirection such as the counterclockwise direction illustrated by arrow3120. As the cam mechanism 3102 rotates, a reciprocating linear motionis imparted to the shaft 3106 as the roller mechanism 3108 isintermittently pushed by the peaks 3102 a or pulled into the troughs3102 b. Thereby, a reciprocating linear motion is imparted to theplunger 126, pressure is generated in the stream probe 3100′, and fluidflow passes through the distal tips 3112 or 3212. Those skilled in theart will understand that the path defined by the channel 3110 may bedesigned to impart a generally constant velocity to the plunger 126.Alternatively, the path defined by the channel 3110 may be designed toimpart a generally constant pressure in the proximal pump portion 124.The plunger 126 is at a position distally away from the proximal end124′ of the proximal plunger portion 124 since the roller mechanism 3108is at a peak 3102 a.

FIG. 21 illustrates a second stream probe operating apparatus 3200 thatincludes second stream probe 3200′. Second stream probe 3200′ is alsoidentical to the stream probe 100′ described above with respect to FIG.4B and may include the proximal pump portion 124 and plunger 126 andeither the distal probe tip 3122 (see FIGS. 14-16) or the distal probetip 3222 (see FIGS. 17-19). Again, a rotary to linear motion operatingmember 3202, which may be a cam mechanism as illustrated, is in operablecommunication with the plunger 126 via a reciprocating shaft 3206 and aroller mechanism 3208 disposed on the proximal end of the shaft 3206.

Similarly, the roller mechanism 3208 engages in a channel 3210 defininga path on the periphery of the cam mechanism 3202. The channel 3210extends along the path to include cam peaks 3202 a and cam troughs 3202b. The cam mechanism 3202 is mounted on and rotated by a common shaft3204, in a direction such as the counterclockwise direction illustratedby arrow 3220. As the cam mechanism 3202 rotates, a reciprocating linearmotion is imparted to the shaft 3206 as the roller mechanism 3208 isintermittently pushed by the peaks 3202 a or pulled into the troughs3202 b. Thereby, a reciprocating linear motion is also imparted to theplunger 126, pressure is generated in the stream probe 3200′, and fluidflow passes through the distal tips 3122 or 3222. Again, those skilledin the art will understand that the path defined by the channel 3210 maybe designed to impart a generally constant velocity to the plunger 126.Again, alternatively, the path defined by the channel 3110 may bedesigned to impart a generally constant pressure in the proximal pumpportion 124. In contrast to first stream probe operating apparatus 3100,the plunger 126 is at a position at the proximal end 124′ of theproximal plunger portion 124 since the roller mechanism 3208 is now at atrough 3202 b.

FIG. 22 illustrates a motor 3300 that is operably connected to thecommon shaft 3104 such that the first rotary to linear motion operatingmember 3102 of stream probe operating apparatus 3100 is mountedproximally on the common shaft 3104 with respect to the motor 3300 whilethe second rotary to linear motion operating member 3202 of stream probeoperating apparatus 3200 is mounted distally on the common shaft 3104with respect to the motor 3300. Those skilled in the art will recognizethat rotation of the common shaft 3104 by the motor 3300 causes themultiple stream probe operation as described above with respect to FIGS.20 and 21. The motor 3300 is supplied electrical power by a power supply270 mounted on proximal body portion 210 (see FIG. 10) such as a batteryor ultracapacitor or alternatively a connection to an external powersource or other suitable means (not shown).

Those skilled in the art will recognize that either stream probeoperating apparatus 3100 or stream probe operating apparatus 3200 mayoperate the single air stream probe 1100 with multiple distal probe tips3112 and 3122 described above with respect to FIG. 13 or the multipledistal probe tips 3212 and 3222 described above with respect to FIGS.17-19.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the stream operatingapparatuses 3100 and 3200 described with respect to FIGS. 20-22 aremerely examples of apparatuses which may be employed to effect thedesired operation. For example, those skilled in the art will recognizethat stream probe 100″ and its associated components may replace theplunger 126 and either rotary to linear motion operating member 3102 orrotary to linear motion operating member 3202 or both and motor 3300 maybe replaced by the diaphragm pump 150 that includes flexible orcompressible diaphragm 158 as described above with respect to FIG. 4C.

The motor 3300 is in electrical communication with the controller 225which controls the motor operation based on the signals received by thedetector electronics 220. In addition to the alarm 226, the screen 125,the base station 228 and the smart phone 229 described above withrespect to FIG. 10, in conjunction with FIG. 10, signaling to the userthat plaque has been detected may include the controller 225 programmedto change the toothbrush drive mode by varying the operation of themotor 3300 to increase the brushing intensity either in frequency or inamplitude, or both, when plaque is detected. The increase in amplitudeand/or frequency both signal to the user to continue brushing in thatarea, and thus improves effectiveness of plaque removal. Alternatively,the controller 225 may be programmed to create a distinct sensation inthe mouth that the user can distinguish from regular brushing, forexample, by modulating the drive train to signal that plaque has beenlocated.

The supply of air bubbles to a tooth brush may also improve the plaqueremoval rate of the brushing.

One possible mechanism is that (i) air bubbles will stick to spots ofclean enamel, (ii) brushing brings a bubble into motion, and therebyalso the air/water interface of the bubble, and (iii) when the bubbleedge contacts plaque material, the edge will tend to peel the plaquematerial off the enamel, because the plaque material is very hydrophilicand therefore prefers to stay in the aqueous solution. Another possiblemechanism is that the presence of bubbles can improve local mixing andshear forces in the fluid, thereby increasing the plaque removal rate.It should be noted that other exemplary embodiments of the methods ofdetection of a substance on a surface as described herein may includemonitoring the first derivative of the signals, AC (alternating current)modulation, and utilization of a sensor for gum detection.

To enhance the effectiveness of the method to reduce the occurrence offalse positive signals when either of the stream probe tubular members110′ (see FIG. 7) are positioned on the gums, it is beneficial todistinguish between gums and plaque. The relatively soft gums alsoresults in (partial) blocking of the stream. This blocking results infalse positive signals. The user may think that plaque is present, whileactually the sensor position is on the gum.

Consequently, turning now to FIGS. 23-29, according to one embodiment ofthe present disclosure, there is illustrated in FIGS. 23, 24 and 25A adetection apparatus 400 such as a toothbrush with plaque detectionfeatures wherein the detection apparatus 400 contains a first streamprobe 401 to detect the plaque and a second stream probe 402 to detectonly gums. By comparing both signals, the detection apparatus 400 isable to distinguish between gums versus plaque. In an alternateembodiment, the first stream probe 401 may also detect the gums of asubject or of a user of the detection apparatus 400. As defined herein,a subject is a person, including a child or an infirm person, to whom,or an animal to which, the detection apparatus 400 is applied by a userof the detection apparatus 400. The user may include a dental or medicalprofessional. Alternatively, the detection apparatus 400 may beself-applied by a user of the detection apparatus 400.

The first stream probe 401 is configured with a distal probe portion 410that is configured to be immersed in first fluid 11. The distal probeportion 410 of the first stream probe 401 defines a distal tip 412having an open port 416 to enable the passage of second fluid 30 throughthe open port 416. The distal tip 412 has a shape and size configuredfor a user of the detection apparatus 400 to detect a substance, e.g.,substance 116 in FIG. 7, that may be present on a surface, e.g., surface31 or 33 in FIG. 7, where the substance 116 may be dental plaque.

The second stream probe 402 is also configured with a distal probeportion 420 that is also configured to be immersed in the first fluid11. The distal probe portion 420 of the second stream probe 402 definesa distal tip 422 having an open port 426 to enable the passage of thesecond fluid 30 through, the open port 426. The distal tip 422 has ashape and size configured for a user of the detection apparatus 400 todetect placement of the distal tip 422 on the gums of a subject, whichmay be the user of the detection apparatus 400.

The detection apparatus 400 is also configured such that passage of thesecond fluid (30) through the distal tip 412 of the distal probe portion410 of the first stream probe 401 and passage of the second fluid 30through the distal tip 422 of the distal probe portion 420 of the secondstream probe 402 enables detection of a substance 116 that may bepresent on the surface 31, 33 based on measurement of a signal. Thesignal correlates to a substance 116 at least partially obstructing thepassage of fluid 30 through the open port 416 of the distal tip 412 ofthe distal probe portion 410 of the first stream probe 401 andconfirmation that the substance 116 is not the gums of the subject or ofthe user of the detection apparatus 400 and not the generation of afalse alarm signal that the substance is the gums of the subject or theuser of the detection apparatus 400. The confirmation is effected bycomparison between the measurement of a signal correlating to asubstance 116 at least partially obstructing the passage of fluid 30through the open port 416 of the distal tip 412 of the distal probeportion 410 of the first stream probe 401 and measurement of a signalcorrelating to an object not obstructing the passage of fluid 30 throughthe open port 426 of the distal tip 422 of the distal probe portion 420of the second stream probe 402.

Referring also to FIG. 10, the detection apparatus 400 further includesthe proximal body portion 210 that includes pump portion 124 with acylinder 125 and plunger 126 reciprocatingly movable within the cylinder125. The cylinder 125 is in fluid communication with a fluid conduitmember 403 and a plenum 404. The plenum 404, in turn, is in fluidcommunication with a proximal probe portion 414 of the first streamprobe 410 that is coupled to distal probe portion 410 via a coupler orconnector 406′, thereby providing fluid communication between thecylinder 125, fluid conduit member 403, plenum 404, and the proximalprobe portion 414 and distal probe portion 410 of the first stream probe410.

Similarly, the plenum 404, in turn, is in fluid communication with aproximal probe portion 424 of the second stream probe 420 that iscoupled to distal probe portion 420 via a second coupler or connector406″, thereby also providing fluid communication between the cylinder125, fluid conduit member 403, plenum 404, and the proximal probeportion 424 and distal probe portion 420 of the second stream probe 420.Those skilled in the art will recognize that, and understand that, thecouplers or connectors 406′ and 406″ may be either separate members fromone another or formed integrally as a common coupler or connector 406having joining posts 4061 and 4062 illustrated in the cross-sectionalview of FIG. 24.

Again, those skilled in the art will recognize that the detectionapparatus 400 is merely an example of a detection apparatus which may beemployed to effect the desired operation. For example, those skilled inthe art will recognize again that stream probe 100″ and its associatedcomponents including the diaphragm pump 150 that includes flexible orcompressible diaphragm 158 as described above with respect to FIG. 4Cmay replace the plunger 126, cylinder 125, the pump portion 124, etc.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the detection apparatus 400 takenalong section line 24-24 of FIG. 23 at the coupler or connector 406 orseparate couplers or connectors 406′ and 406″ as viewed towards proximalend 400 a of the detection apparatus 400, wherein distal end 400 b ofthe detection apparatus 400 is defined with respect to the proximal end400 a.

As may also be appreciated by those skilled in the art, in one exemplaryembodiment, the detection apparatus 400 may also be configured whereinthe distal probe portion 410 of first stream probe 401 is integrallyjoined with the proximal probe portion 414 of the first stream probe401, and wherein the distal probe portion 420 of the second stream probe402 is integrally joined with the proximal probe portion 424 of thesecond stream probe 402.

In one exemplary embodiment, the signal may be a pressure signal, inwhich case the detection apparatus may further include a pressure sensorP5 that is configured and disposed to detect a pressure signal in theproximal portion 414 of the first stream probe. Additionally, a pressuresensor P6 may be configured and disposed to detect a pressure signal inthe proximal portion 424 of the second stream probe 420. Since there isfluid communication between the cylinder 125, the fluid conduit member403, plenum 404, and the proximal probe portions 414 and 424 and distalprobe portions 410 and 420 of the first and second stream probes 410 and420, a restriction orifice 417 is disposed in the proximal portion 414of the first stream probe 410 and at least one restriction orifice 418 adisposed in the proximal portion 424 of the second stream probe 420. Inone further exemplary embodiment, a second restriction orifice 418 b maybe disposed in the proximal portion 424 of the second stream probe 420.

The presence of the restriction orifices 417 and at least 418 a or 418 bis necessary to restrict undesirable interaction between the signalpresent in the first stream probe 410 and the signal present in thesecond stream probe 420. In addition, the restriction orifices 417 andat least 418 a, and in one exemplary embodiment 418 b, improve theresponse time of the pressure sensors P5 and P6 since only the volumesof the stream probes 401 and 402 downstream of the restriction orifices417 and 418 a and/or 418 b are relevant and the stream probes 401 and402, respectively, behave more closely or approximately as flow sourcesrather than as pressure sources. The volume upstream of the restrictionorifices 417 and 418 a and/or 418 b becomes less relevant.

As also illustrated in FIG. 10, the detection apparatus 400 also furtherincludes controller 225 that now processes pressure readings sensed bythe pressure sensors P5 and P6 and determines whether the pressurereadings are indicative of detection of a substance 116 that may bepresent on the surface (31, 33) based on measurement of a signal,correlating to a substance 116 at least partially obstructing thepassage of fluid 30 through the open port 416 of the distal tip 412 ofthe distal probe portion 410 of the first stream probe 401 andconfirmation that the substance 116 is not the gums of the subject or ofthe user of the detection apparatus 400 and not the generation of afalse positive alarm signal that the substance is the gums of thesubject or of the user of the detection apparatus 400. The controller225 includes memory (not shown) for storage of the data. As indicatedabove, the confirmation that the substance 116 is not the gums of thesubject or the user of the detection apparatus 400 and not thegeneration of a false positive alarm signal that the substance is thegums of the subject or of the user of the detection apparatus 400 iseffected by comparison between the measurement of the signal correlatingto a substance 116 at least partially obstructing the passage of fluid30 through the open port 416 of the distal tip 412 of the distal probeportion 410 of the first stream probe 401 and measurement of a signalcorrelating to an object not obstructing the passage of fluid 30 throughthe open port 426 of the distal tip 422 of the distal probe portion 420of the second stream probe 420. The detection apparatus 400 may furtherinclude, for operation of the plunger 126, the stream probe operatingapparatus 3100 and motor 3300 (see FIGS. 20-22), battery 270 and, asindicated above, the controller 225 (see also FIG. 10). The pressuresensors P5 and P6 are in electrical communication with the controller225. The controller 225 generates an alarm or signal to the user in thesame manner as described previously.

As may be appreciated from FIGS. 23, 24 and 25A, in the exemplaryembodiments illustrated therein, the proximal probe portion 424 of thesecond stream probe 420 is arranged concentrically around the proximalprobe portion 414 of the first stream probe 410.

The distal probe portion 410 of the first stream probe 401 defines alongitudinal axis A-A and the distal probe portion 420 of the secondstream probe 402 defines longitudinal axis A′-A′ and each define acircular cross-section in a direction transverse to the respectivelongitudinal axes A-A and A′-A′. As illustrated in FIGS. 23, 24 and 25A,the longitudinal axes A-A and A′-A′ may coincide, or they may be offsetfrom, and parallel to, one another (not shown).

As illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 25A, the open port 426 of the distal tip422 of the distal probe portion 420 of the second stream probe 402 isarranged concentrically around the open port 416 of the distal tip 412of the distal probe portion 410 of the first stream probe 401. Thoseskilled in the art will recognize that other embodiments of the presentdisclosure may be configured wherein the proximal probe portion 424 ofthe second stream probe 420 is not arranged concentrically around theproximal probe portion 414 of the first stream probe 410, particularlywherein the axes A-A and A′-A′ are parallel to, but offset from, oneanother.

This technique uses common technology with the stream probe plaquedetection method described above so components such as the stream-pumpcan be shared in the handle or body portion to reduce the total bill ofmaterial. From an industrialization point of view, the same type oftechnology, sourcing of components etc. can be applied (re-use,commonality).

Since detection apparatus 400 is directed to applying a second,additional stream tube in order to detect only gums and not plaque, inone exemplary embodiment, the first stream probe 401 for plaquedetection is centered inside the larger diameter second stream probe 402to be used for gum detection. When configured in this manner, the secondstream probe 402 for the gum detection moves along the same route, i.e.,along axis A-A, as the first stream probe 401 for the plaque detection.In this manner, both generated pressure signals P5 and P6 can becompared at, for all practical purposes, exactly the same spot in themouth of the subject or of the user of the detection apparatus 400.

As illustrated in FIG. 25A, the profile of the distal tip 422 of thedistal probe portion 420 of the second stream probe 402 for gumdetection should be such that the second steam probe 402 is unable todetect plaque, while still capable of detecting gums.

More particularly, as illustrated in FIGS. 23, 24 and 25A, the distalprobe portion 410 of the first stream probe 401 and the distal probeportion 420 of the second stream probe 402 define a common longitudinalaxis, e.g., axis A-A coinciding with axis A′-A′. The distal tip 412 ofthe distal probe portion 410 of the first steam probe 401 and the distaltip 422 of the distal probe portion 420 of the second stream probe 402each define a concave profile in a direction transverse to the commonlongitudinal axis A-A or A′-A′ and with respect to respective proximalends 412′ and 422′, defined with respect to the common longitudinalaxis, A-A or A′-A′ of the distal probe portion 410 of the first streamprobe 401 and the distal probe portion 420 of the second stream probe402, respectively. The profile of the distal tip 422 includes a flatperimeter 428 that circumferentially extends around the open port 426 ofthe distal tip 422.

The distal tip 412 of the first stream probe 401 has a concave or archedprofile that defines a diameter d1 and a distance x1 extendingproximally along the axis A-A that is maximum at trough 418 at theintersection with the axis A-A. The distance x1 thus limits the distanceof the distal tip 412 from the dental surface interfacing with thedistal tip 412 so as to be less than the height of the plaque layer,i.e., generally 100 microns (μm), away from the dental surface.Therefore, the probe tip 412 will be capable of detecting plaque sincethe open port 416 will be obstructed upon encountering plaque.

The distal tip 422 of the distal portion 420 of the second stream probe402 for gum detection defines a comparatively larger diameter d2 ascompared to the diameter d1 of the distal tip 412 of the first streamprobe 401 and also defines a distance x2 extending proximally along theaxis A-a or A′-a′ that is maximum at trough 427. The dimensions ofdiameter d2 and the distance x2 are such that, generally, plaque willnot be capable of obstructing the open port 426 This is attributable, inpart, to the fact that the two probes 401 and 402 generally are inclinedat an angle with respect to the tooth surface, and therefore leakagethrough the open port 426 should occur more readily.

The detection of plaque or gums is a function of both size and shape ofthe probe tip, particularly the curvature at the probe tip. If thecurvature has a large radius R, the distal tip 422 is easily blocked bythe gums. If the distal tip 422 has a small radius R, it is moredifficult for the gums to deform to block the distal tip 422. The heightx2 of the opening created by the tip curvature R determines how thickthe plaque layer needs to be to obstruct the distal tip 422. Byproviding second probe 402 with a large diameter d2, and large radius ofcurvature R, the distal tip 422 is easily blocked by gums but not byplaque.

Generally, diameter d2 of the opening of open port 426 of distal tip 422of the distal probe portion 420 of the second stream probe 402 can beequal to or larger than about 250 μm, and should generally not exceed500 μm, thus ranging from about 250 μm to about 500 μm. The radius ofcurvature R should be significantly greater than one-half of thediameter d2. Correspondingly, diameter d1 of the opening of open port416 of distal tip 412 of the distal probe portion 410 of the firststream probe 401 can be less than or equal to about 300 μm or range fromabout 150 μm to about 300 μm with a radius of curvature r of aboutone-half the diameter d1.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that due to the significantvariability of the conditions occurring during usage of the detectionapparatus 400 such as exposure to saliva, toothpaste, food particles,plaque, etc, these dimensional ranges are not hard limits and may varybased on usage experience.

FIGS. 25B and 25C illustrate alternate exemplary embodiments of thedetection apparatus 400 wherein the distal probe portion 420 of secondstream probe 402 of FIGS. 23 and 25A is replaced by distal probe portion440 and distal probe portion 460, respectively. In a similar manner aswith respect to distal probe portion 420, the distal probe portions 440and 460 each define a circular cross-section in a direction transverseto the respective longitudinal axes A-A and A′-A′ as shown in FIG. 24.In FIG. 25B, open port 446 of distal tip 422 of the distal probe portion440, now part of the second stream probe 402, is arranged concentricallyaround the open port 416 of the distal tip 412 of the distal probeportion 410 of the first stream probe 401. However, in contrast todistal probe portion 420, the distal tip 442 of distal probe portion 440of the second stream probe 402 defines a convex profile with respect tothe distal tip 442 along the common longitudinal axis A-A or A′-A′ andwith respect to the respective proximal ends 412′ and 422′. The concaveprofile of the distal tip 412 remains as in FIGS. 23, 24 and 25A.

The convex profile of distal tip 442 now extends proximally along theaxis A-A or A′-A′ a distance x2′ to define an apex or arcuate point ofintersection 444. More particularly, the convex profile defined by thedistal tip 442 of the distal probe portion 440 of the second streamprobe 402 is defined by the arcuate point of intersection 444 betweentwo straight lines 448.

In FIG. 25C, open port 466 of distal tip 462 of distal probe portion460, which is now part of the second stream probe 402, is again arrangedconcentrically around the open port 416 of the distal tip 412 of thedistal probe portion 410 of the first stream probe 401. Again, incontrast to distal probe portion 420, the distal tip 462 of distal probeportion 460 of the second stream probe 402, having now radius ofcurvature R′ which is inverted as compared to radius of curvature R ofthe distal probe portion 420, also defines a convex profile with respectto the distal tip 462 along the common longitudinal axis A-A or A′-A′and with respect to the respective proximal ends 412′ and 422′. Theconcave profile of the distal tip 412 remains as in FIGS. 23, 24, 25Aand 25B.

Again, the convex profile of distal tip 462 extends proximally along theaxis A-A or A′-A′ distance x2′ to define an apex 464. However, incontrast to the apex or arcuate point of intersection 444, the convexprofile defined by the distal tip 462 of the distal probe portion 460 ofthe second stream probe 402 defines a smooth arcuate profile such thatapex 464 is itself also defined by a smooth arcuate profile.

As with respect to distal portion 420, for both distal probe portion 440illustrated in FIG. 25B and distal probe portion 460 illustrated in FIG.25C, the dimensions of diameter d2 and the distance x2′ are such that,generally, plaque will not be capable of obstructing the respective openports 446 and 466.

Turning now to FIG. 25D, in another alternate exemplary embodiment ofthe detection apparatus 400, distal probe portion 460 of FIG. 25C is nowarranged concentrically around an alternate exemplary embodiment ofdistal probe portion 410 of first stream probe 401. More particularly,distal probe portion 430 of the first stream probe 401 for plaquedetection and the distal probe portion 460 of the second stream probe402 for gum detection define a common longitudinal axis A-A, A′-A′.However, the distal tip 462 of the distal probe portion 460 and thedistal tip 412 of distal probe portion 410 each define a convex profilein a direction transverse to the common longitudinal axis A-A, A′-A′,and with respect to respective proximal ends 412′, 422′, defined withrespect to the common longitudinal axis A-A, A′-A′. Distal tip 462 ofdistal probe portion 460 defines a convex radius of curvature r′ incontrast to the concave radius of curvature r defined by distal tip 412of distal probe portion 410 of first stream probe 401.

In a similar manner as with respect to distance x1 defined with respectto distal tip 412, distal tip 432 of the first stream probe 401 has aconvex or arched profile that defines diameter d1 and a distance x1′extending distally along the axis A-A that is maximum at apex 434 at theintersection with the axis A-A. The distance x1′ thus also limits thedistance of the distal tip 432 from the dental surface interfacing withthe distal tip 432 so as to be less than the height of the plaque layer,i.e., generally 100 microns (μm), away from the dental surface.Therefore, the probe tip 432 will also be capable of detecting plaquesince the open port 436 will be obstructed upon encountering plaque.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that, and understand how, thealternate exemplary embodiments of the distal probe portions 430, and440 and 460, may be utilized in the same manner with respect todetection apparatus 400 described above with respect to FIG. 23concerning distal probe portions 410 and 420, respectively. Both theplaque detection distal probe portions 410 and 430 and the gum detectiondistal probe portions 420, 440 and 460 may be made of the same materialsuch as hard polymers polyamide (Nylon) or polyetheretherketone (PEEK)for wear resistance or softer materials such as silicon rubber orpolyurethane to provide a softer, more comfortable sensation to the useror subject. Alternatively, the inner or plaque detection distal probeportions 410 and 430 may be made from the hard polymers such aspolyamide (Nylon) or polyetheretherketone (PEEK) for wear resistancewhile the outer or gum detection distal probe portions 420, 440 and 460may be made from the softer materials such as silicon rubber orpolyurethane to provide a softer, more comfortable sensation to the useror subject. Alternatively, this selection of materials may be reversedas design requirements and/or product usage experience dictate.

Turning now to FIGS. 26A-26C, there are illustrated further alternateexemplary embodiments of the distal probe portion 410 of the firststream probe 401 and of the distal probe portion 420 of the secondstream probe 402. More particularly, referring to FIG. 26A, distal probeportion 410 or 430 of first stream probe 401 again defines longitudinalaxis A-A and distal probe portion 480 of second stream probe 402 alsodefines longitudinal axis A′-A′. Open port 484 of distal tip 482 of thedistal probe portion 480 of the second stream probe 402 is also arrangedconcentrically around the open port area 416 or 436 of the distal tip412 or 432 of the distal probe portion 410 or 430, respectively, of thefirst stream probe 401 and such that the longitudinal axes A-A and A′-a′are parallel to one another. However, the distal probe portion 480 ofthe second stream probe 402 defines an arcuate, non-circular crosssection in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis A′-A′ of thedistal probe portion 480 of the second stream probe 402. Again, thedistal probe portion 410 of the first stream probe 401 defines acircular cross section in a direction transverse to the longitudinalaxis A-A or A′-A′ of the distal probe portion 480 of the second streamprobe 402.

In the alternate exemplary embodiment of FIG. 26A, the distal probeportion 480 of the second stream probe 402 defines an inner surface 485along longitudinal axis A′-A′. The distal probe portion 410, 430 of thefirst stream probe 401 defines an outer surface 415, 435, respectively,along longitudinal axis A-A. The outer surface 415, 435 does not contactthe inner surface 485.

FIG. 26B illustrates yet another alternate exemplary embodiment of thedistal probe portion 410 of the first stream probe 401. Moreparticularly, again, the distal probe portion 480 of the second streamprobe 402 defines inner surface 485 along longitudinal axis A′-A′. Thedistal probe portion 480 of the second stream probe 402 defines anelliptical cross section with a minor axis B1-B1 along which width W ofthe elliptical cross-section is defined. Major axis B2-B2 defines lengthL of the elliptical cross section. However, in contrast to the distalprobe portions 410 and 430 illustrated in FIG. 26A, distal probe portion450 of the first stream probe 401 defines an outer surface 455 along itslongitudinal axis A-A and defines a diameter d3 that is greater thandiameter d1 of distal probe portions 410 and 430. The diameter d3 isapproximately equal to the width W of the distal probe portion 480 suchthat the outer surface 455 of the distal probe portion 450 of the firststream probe 401 contacts the inner surface 485 of the distal probeportion 480 of the second stream probe 402 to define first and secondlines of contact coinciding with the minor axis B1-B1.

Although the distal probe portion 450 provides a flow restriction effectat the first and second lines of contact, the cross-sectional area ofopen port 484 of the elliptical shape defined by the ellipticalcross-section of the distal probe portion 480 of the second stream probe402 exceeds the cross-sectional area of open port 456 of distal tip 452of the distal probe portion 450 of the first stream probe 401 to enabledetection of the gums of a subject or of a user of the detectionapparatus 400 while the distal probe portion 450 has a cross-sectionalarea via open port 456 designed to detect plaque as described above.

FIG. 26C illustrates still another alternate exemplary embodiment of thedistal probe portion 410 of the first stream probe 401. Moreparticularly, again, the distal probe portion 480 of the second streamprobe 402 defines inner surface 485 along longitudinal axis A′-A′. Thedistal probe portion 480 of the second stream probe 402 defines anelliptical cross section with a minor axis B1-B1 along which width W ofthe elliptical cross-section is defined. Major axis B2-B2 defines lengthL of the elliptical cross section. However, in contrast to the distalprobe portion 450 illustrated in FIG. 26B, distal probe portion 470 ofthe first stream probe 401 is formed by a pair of parallel plates 472and 474 each defining lateral edges 4721, 4722 and 4741, 4742,respectively, and again defining common longitudinal axis A-A withrespect to the longitudinal axis A′-A′ of the distal probe portion 480of the second stream probe 402. The lateral edges 4721, 4722 and 4741,4742 of the parallel plates 472 and 474, respectively, are in contactwith the inner surface 485 of the distal probe portion 480 of the secondstream probe 402.

Again, the elliptical cross-section of the distal probe portion 480 ofthe second stream probe 402 exceeds the cross-sectional area of openport 476 of the distal probe portion 470 between the parallel plates 471and 472 of the first stream probe 401 to enable detection of the gums ofa subject or of a user of the detection apparatus 400 while the distalprobe portion 470 has a cross-sectional area via open port 476 designedto detect plaque as described above.

The detection apparatus 400 as represented in FIGS. 26A-26C alsoincludes restriction orifices 417, 418 a and 418 b and the couplers orconnectors 406′ and 406″ that may be either separate members from oneanother or formed integrally as a common coupler or connector 406 havingjoining posts 4061 and 4062 illustrated in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 24. Additionally, those skilled in the art will recognize that, andunderstand how, the plenum 404 in FIG. 23 is designed and configured toconform at least to the elliptical cross-sectional shape of the distalprobe portion 480 of the second stream probe 402.

The elliptical cross-section of the distal probe portion 480 in FIGS.26A-26C along the longitudinal axis A-A or A′-A′ improves the detectionof the gum line as the distal tip 482 can then enter more easily intodifficult to reach areas. Also, the greater width W of the distal probeportion 480 in the direction of the longitudinal axis A-A or A′-A′ tendsto prevent the distal tip 482 of the gum detector or second stream probe402 from entering too deeply into the interproximal areas of the gums.

Turning now to FIGS. 27-29, there are illustrated alternate exemplaryembodiments of the detection apparatus 400 of the present disclosurewherein the distal probe portion of the first stream probe and thedistal probe portion of the second stream probe are disposed inproximity to one another and such that the longitudinal axes areparallel to one another, and thus are separate from one another and notconcentrically arranged with respect to each other.

More particularly, referring to FIG. 27 in conjunction with FIGS.23-25D, again, distal probe portion 410 or 430 of the first stream probe401 defines longitudinal axis A-A (into the paper) and the distal probeportion 420, 440 or 460 of the second stream probe 402 defineslongitudinal axis A′-A′ (into the paper) and each define a circularcross-section in a direction transverse to the respective longitudinalaxes A-A and A′-A′. Additionally, the distal probe portion 410 or 430 ofthe first stream probe 401 and the distal probe portion 420, 440 or 460of the second stream probe 402 are disposed in proximity to one anotherand such that the longitudinal axes A-A and A′-A′ are parallel to oneanother. Again, as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 23-25D, thedimensions of diameter d1 and d2 and the distances x1, x1′ and x2, x2′are such that, generally, plaque will not be capable of obstructing therespective open ports 426, 446 and 466.

Thus, the second stream probe 402 for detection of the gums is locatednear the first stream probe 401 for detection of plaque. Generally, bothare placed along the long axis of the distal oral insertion portion 250or brush head (see FIG. 10), so that both probe 401 and probe 402contact the gum line at the same time.

FIG. 28 illustrates another alternate exemplary embodiment of thedetection apparatus 400 analogous to the alternate exemplary embodimentof the detection apparatus 400 described above with respect to FIG. 27except that distal portions 420, 440 and 460 of the second stream probe402 having circular cross-sections are replaced with distal portion 480wherein again the distal probe portion 480 defines an arcuate,non-circular cross section in the direction transverse to thelongitudinal axis A′-A′ of the distal probe portion 480 of the secondstream probe 402.

Again, the elliptical cross-section of the distal probe portion 480 inFIGS. 26A-26C along the longitudinal axis A′-A′, as illustrated in FIG.28, improves the detection of the gum line as the distal tip 482 canthen enter more easily into difficult to reach areas. Also, the greaterwidth W of the distal probe portion 480 in the direction of thelongitudinal axis A-A or A′-A′ tends to prevent the distal tip 482 ofthe gum detector or second stream probe 402 from entering too deeplyinto the interproximal areas of the gums.

FIG. 29 illustrates yet another alternate exemplary embodiment of thedetection apparatus 400 analogous to the alternate exemplary embodimentof the detection apparatus 400 described above with respect to FIGS. 27and 28 except that distal portions 420, 440 and 460 of the second streamprobe 402 having circular cross-sections and distal probe portion 480that defines an arcuate, non-circular cross section in the directiontransverse to the longitudinal axis A′-A′ of the distal probe portion480 of the second stream probe 402 are replaced with distal probeportion 486 of the second stream probe 402 that defines a circularcross-section.

Distal probe portion 490 also defines longitudinal axis A-A and isgenerally similar to distal probe portions 410 and 430. Thecross-sectional area of open port 492 of distal tip 491 of distal probeportion 490 of the first stream probe 401 for plaque detection isgenerally equal to the cross-sectional area of distal probe portion 486of the second stream probe 402 for gum detection. The distal tip 491 ofthe first stream probe 401 also has a concave or arched profile thatdefines radius of curvature r, diameter d1 and distance x1 that extendsproximally along the axis A-A and is maximum at trough 493 at theintersection with the axis A-A. In a similar manner as described above,distance x1 thus limits the distance of the distal tip 491 from thedental surface interfacing with the distal tip 491 so as to be less thanthe height of the plaque layer, i.e., generally 100 microns (μm), awayfrom the dental surface. Therefore, the probe tip 490 will be capable ofdetecting plaque since the open port 416 will be obstructed uponencountering plaque.

In contrast, distal tip 487 of distal probe portion 486 has an open port488 and has a flat or straight or flush profile with respect to thelongitudinal axis A′-A′, as opposed to the concave or convex profilesdescribed above with respect to FIGS. 23-25D. The flat profile enhancesthe accuracy of the signal detecting the gums.

Again, as in FIGS. 27 and 28, distal probe portion 490 of the firststream probe 401 for plaque detection and distal probe portion 486 ofthe second stream probe 402 for gum detection each define longitudinalaxes A-A and A′-A, respectively, wherein the distal probe portion 490and the distal probe portion 486 are disposed adjacent to one anotherand, in one exemplary embodiment, attached to one another, such that thelongitudinal axes A-A and A′-A′ are parallel to one another. However,the distal tip 491 of the distal probe portion 490 of the first streamprobe 401 now extends distally a distance x3 along longitudinal axis A-Abeyond the distal tip 487 of the distal probe portion 486 of the secondstream probe 402. Thus, distal probe portion 486 of the second streamprobe 402 for gum detection does not become obstructed by dental plaque,and thus enables gum detection when distal probe portion 490 of thefirst steam probe 401 does become obstructed by dental plaque.

It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments of separate distalprobe portions described with respect to, and illustrated in, FIGS.27-29 are incorporated with the detection apparatus 1100 illustrated inFIG. 13 which operates separate stream probes 301 and 302 rather thanthe detection apparatus 400 described with respect to, and illustratedin FIG. 23, which operates concentric stream probes 401 and 402. In thedetection apparatus 1100, the distal tee connection 101 is modified toaccommodate the particular cross-sectional shape of the distal probeportions 420, 440, 460, 480 or 486 of the second stream probe 402 thatare in fluid communication with the distal tee connection 101.

As described above, it is observed that the first stream probe forplaque detection may also give a pressure signal when it is placed onthe gums. The relatively soft gums results in (partial) blocking of thestream. This blocking results in the generation of false positivesignals by the first stream probe. The user may think that plaque ispresent, while actually the sensor position is on the gum. The secondstream probe for plaque detection is designed to determine when thesecond stream probe is placed on the gums of the user and to overridethe false positive signal.

It should be noted that while the stream probes illustrated in FIGS.23-29 generally are characterized by an arcuate cross section, polygonalshapes such as triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, etc. mayalso be employed.

FIGS. 30-46 illustrate other exemplary embodiments of a detectionapparatus for detecting the presence of a substance on a surfaceaccording to the present disclosure to override false positive signalstriggered by the first stream probe being placed on the gums of the useror of the subject and falsely signaling the presence of plaque. Moreparticularly, an optical gum detector according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure provides a solution for false positive signals usingthe stream probes for plaque detection as described above, i.e., thefalse positive signals occur due to blocking of the stream probe on gumthat may be interpreted as plaque.

The basis for applying an optical gum detector is to measure the ratioin reflected light for wavelengths below and above the sharp transitionat 600 nm wavelength in the reflectivity of gums. This reflectivityratio displays a good contrast between gum and teeth. A threshold can beset to distinguish between a stream probe position on gum and a streamprobe position on a tooth or teeth, thereby overriding false positivesignals for plaque detection by the stream probe.

FIG. 30 is a generic block diagram of a dental hygiene detectorapparatus 1000 according to the present disclosure that includes ageneric composite illustration of a plaque detection apparatus 500.Plaque detection apparatus 500 includes a single stream proberepresentative of first stream probe 301 in FIG. 13 and first streamprobe 401 in FIG. 23. In place of the second stream probe 302 in FIG. 13or the second stream probe 402 in FIG. 23 for detecting the gums of theuser or of a subject, an optical gum detector 800 is used in conjunctionwith plaque detection apparatus or stream probe 500 for detectingplaque. The optical gum detector 800 provides an indication if distaltip 522 of the stream probe 500 is positioned on the gums or on a toothor teeth of a subject or of a user. Based on the information provided bythe optical gum detector 800, the frequency of false positive signalstriggered by the presence of the stream probe 500 on the gums can bereduced.

More particularly, as illustrated in FIG. 30 in a composite genericmanner, dental hygiene detection apparatus 1000 for detecting thepresence of a substance such as plaque on a surface such as a tooth orteeth includes a distal oral insertion portion 1200 defining a proximalend 1201 and a distal end 1202. The distal oral insertion portion 1200includes a distal probe portion 520 of stream probe 500 that isconfigured to be immersed in first fluid 11 (see FIG. 7). The distalprobe portion 520) defines distal tip 522 having an open port 526 toenable passage of second fluid 30, or 35 (see FIG. 7) through the openport 526. The open port 526 has a cross-sectional area sufficient and ashape configured to detect a substance 116 that may be present onsurface 31 or 33 as described above with respect to FIG. 7 and FIGS.23-30.

In one exemplary embodiment, the distal oral insertion portion 1200further includes a mechanical coupler or connection 505 that ispositioned at the proximal end 1201 of the distal oral insertion portion1200. The distal probe portion 520 may be coupled to the mechanicalconnection 505.

Optical gum detector 800 includes distal optical gum detectortransmission portion 620 that defines a proximal end 621 and a distaltip 622. The distal tip 622 extends to the vicinity of the distal end1202 of the distal oral insertion portion 1200. Optical gum detector 800further includes a distal optical gum detector reception portion 720that defines a proximal end 721 and a distal tip 722. The distal opticalgum detector reception portion 720 extends to the vicinity of the distalend 1202 of the distal oral insertion portion 1200.

In one exemplary embodiment, the distal oral insertion portion 1200further includes a transmitting coupler 605 positioned at the proximalend 1201 of the distal oral insertion portion 1200. The distal opticalgum detector transmission portion 620 is coupled to the transmittingcoupler 605. The distal oral insertion portion 1200 may further includea receiving coupler 705 positioned at the proximal end 1201 of thedistal oral insertion portion 1200. The distal optical gum detectorreception portion 720 may be coupled to the receiving coupler 705.

The detection apparatus 1000 further includes a proximal body portion1100. In one exemplary embodiment, proximal body portion 1100 includes aproximal stream probe portion 510, which in turn includes a proximalstream probe plaque detector portion 514 that may be coupled to distalprobe portion 520 via the mechanical connection 505. Proximal bodyportion 1100 further includes pump driver portion 516 and pump driverand power supply 518 which is mechanically coupled to the pump driverportion 516 to operate the pump driver portion 516 to supply pressure toor withdraw pressure from the proximal stream probe plaque detectorportion 514 and the distal probe portion 520 for plaque detection. Aprocess controller 2251 similar to process controller 225 describedabove with respect to FIG. 10 is in electrical communication with thepump driver and power supply 518 to control operation of the distal oralinsertion portion 1200. The controller 2251 includes memory (not shown)for storage of data.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that stream probe 500 may beconfigured, for example, as either stream probe 100 described above withrespect to FIG. 4A, or stream probe 100′ described above with respect toFIG. 4B or stream probe 100″ described above with respect to FIG. 4C.

In one exemplary embodiment, the proximal body portion 1100 includes aproximal optical gum detector transmission portion 610 that is opticallycoupled to the distal optical gum detector transmitting portion 620. Theoptical coupling therebetween may be via the transmitting coupler 605.

In one exemplary embodiment, the proximal body portion 1100 furtherincludes a proximal optical gum detector reception portion 710 opticallycoupled to the distal optical gum detector receiving portion 720. Theoptical coupling therebetween may be via the receiving coupler 705.

The detection apparatus 1000 is configured such that passage of thesecond fluid 30 or 35 through the distal tip 522 of the distal probeportion 520 enables detection of a substance 116 that may be present onthe surface 31, 33 (see FIG. 7) based on measurement of a stream probesignal correlating to a substance 116 at least partially obstructing thepassage of fluid 30 or 35 through the open port 526 of the distal tip522 of the distal probe portion 520, which includes distal stream probeportion 524 and distal tip 522, and is configured such that the distaloptical gum detector transmission portion 620 and the distal optical gumdetector reception portion 720 are in a position to transmit and toreceive, respectively, an optical signal that, upon transmission of theoptical signal and reception of the optical signal by process controller2251, enables the process controller 2251 to determine if the open port526 of the distal tip 522 of the distal probe portion 520 is in contactwith a substance 116 that is at least partially obstructing the passageof fluid 30, 35 through the open port 526 and that is not in contactwith the gums of a subject or of a user of the detection apparatus 1000.

The sampling rate, based on the frequency of the light pulses from theproximal optical gum detector transmission portion 610, is preferablychosen high enough, such that bristle movement of 250 Hz can befollowed, e.g. 5 KHz. In one exemplary embodiment, the sampling rate isset at well above (>5 times) the frequency of the brush head/bristlemovement. A correction for offset light on the detector and dark currentfrom the detector can be made by measuring the signal when both of thelight sources are switched off. Control of the light source pulsingfrequency and readout of the detectors and data processing bymicroprocessor or process controller 2251, in which eventually alsocalibration values can be stored. When the gum detector results in asignal corresponding to gum, the eventual pressure signal from thestream probe is ignored, such that false positives by the gum areoverridden.

The optimum wavelengths for detection are below 600 nm (preferablybetween 450 and 600 nm) for the short wavelength and above 600 nm(preferably between 630 and 800 nm) for the long wavelength.

Alternatively, generically, sampling can be performed in synchronizationwith the frequency of the brush head/bristle movement for the exemplaryembodiments illustrated and described in FIG. 31, 32, or 40-44 describedbelow.

For any of the foregoing methods, the microprocessor or controller 2251may be in electrical communication with the proximal optical gumdetector reception portion 710 and the proximal optical gum detectortransmission portion 610. The microprocessor or controller 2251 mayprocess the signals in part by performing an analog to digitalconversion.

Processing of the data involves:

Obtaining signals for wavelengths λ1 and λ2.

Determining offset values based on measurement of background lightlevels.

Correcting wavelength signal values λ1 and λ2 by subtracting thebackground light level values

Determining the reflectivity ratio R=λ1/λ2 based on the corrected valuesof λ1 and λ2.

Comparing the corrected value of R=λ1/λ2 with threshold value for teethand gum.

In order to achieve optimum accuracy for the determination of λ1/λ2, afactory calibration can be used and the calibration data can be storedin the memory of the process controller 2251. Also, thecalibration/threshold value can be updated based on the data recordedover a brushing session, or a number of brushing sessions, so thatinitially a factory set value is used, and the threshold is adjustedover time to more accurately reflect the color of a particular user's orsubject's teeth and gums.

Particular exemplary embodiments of the detection apparatus 1000described in composite form in FIG. 30 are described in FIGS. 31-32 and40-46. Component designation numbering for the particular embodiments ispresented in a fashion corresponding to the generic componentdesignation numbering. For example, in FIG. 30, proximal optical gumdetector transmission portion 610 of detection apparatus 1000 isdesignated in FIG. 31 as proximal optical gum detector transmissionportion 610 a of detection apparatus 1000 a, in FIG. 32 as proximaloptical gum detector transmission portion 610 b of detection apparatus1000 b, etc. A similar numbering pattern is maintained throughout thedetailed description of the exemplary embodiments. Composite genericplaque detection apparatus 500 is illustrated in FIGS. 31-32 and 40-44.

More particularly, referring to FIG. 31 in conjunction with thecomposite detection apparatus 1000 described with respect to FIG. 30,there is disclosed an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosurewherein detection apparatus 1000 a includes composite plaque detectionapparatus 500, as described above with respect to FIG. 30, and opticalgum detector 800 a each disposed partially on distal oral insertionportion 1200 a. Distal oral insertion portion 1200 a includes distaloptical detector transmitting portion 620 a wherein a distaltransmitting optical fibre 6201 has a distal tip 6221 extending to thevicinity of distal end 1202 a of the distal oral insertion portion 1200a and distal optical detector receiving portion 720 a wherein a distalreceiving optical fibre 7201 has a distal tip 7221 and extending fromthe vicinity of distal end 1202 a of the distal oral insertion portion1200 a. Distal oral insertion portion 1200 a further includes distalprobe portion 520 defining distal tip 522 having open port 526.

Detection apparatus 1000 a further includes proximal body portion 1100 athat includes proximal optical gum detector transmission portion 610 a.The proximal optical gum detector transmission portion 610 includes afirst proximal optical transmitting fibre 6101 that may be opticallycoupled to the distal transmitting optical fibre 6201 via transmittingcoupler 605. The proximal optical gum detector transmission portion 610a may further include an optical combiner 6121 wherein the opticalcombiner 6121 is optically coupled to the transmitting coupler 605 viathe first proximal optical transmitting fibre 6101.

The proximal optical gum detector transmission portion 610 a furtherincludes a first light source 616′, such as a light emitting diode(LED), and a second light source 616″, also such as a light emittingdiode. Each light source 616′, 616″ is optically coupled to the opticalcombiner 6121 to transmit light from the first and second light sources616′, 616″ to the distal optical gum detector transmission portion 620 ain the distal oral insertion portion 1200 a.

The distal oral insertion portion 1200 a includes distal optical gumdetector reception portion 720 a wherein a first distal receivingoptical fibre 7201 may be optically coupled to the receiving coupler705. Proximal optical gum detector reception portion 710 a furtherincludes a first proximal receiving optical fibre 7101 that may beoptically coupled to the first distal receiving optical fibre 7201 viathe receiving coupler 705. The proximal optical gum detector receptionportion 710 a further includes an optical detector 712 that is opticallycoupled to the first proximal receiving optical fibre 7101.

Process controller 2251 signals first light source 616′ to emit a lightbeam at a first wavelength λ1 and signals second light source 616″ toemit a light beam at a second wavelength λ2 where the two light beamsare transmitted, via first light source to combiner optical fibre 614′and via second light source to combiner optical fibre 614″,respectively, to combiner 6121 which merges the two separate light beamssuch that the light beams at two different wavelengths λ1 and λ2 aretransmitted intermittently and alternately at the two differentwavelengths to the distal tip 6221 via the first distal transmittingoptical fibre 6201. Light emitted from the distal tip 6221 istransmitted to the distal tip 7221 of the first distal receiving opticalfibre 7201 to optical detector 712 via optical coupler 705. As explainedin more detail below with respect to FIGS. 35-39, in the event thatplaque detection apparatus 500 signals to the process controller 2251that plaque has been detected, detection apparatus 1000 a distinguishesbetween white teeth and red gum by the process controller 2251 measuringthe reflectivity ratio R at the two wavelengths λ1 and λ2.

As indicated above, the reflectivity ratio is defined as the ratio R ofobserved reflection levels for the two wavelengths λ1 and λ2: Thus, thereflectivity ratio R is determined, where a ratio above a certaindiscrimination level corresponds with teeth and a ratio below this levelcorresponds with gum. The optimum wavelengths for detection are below600 nm (preferably between 450 and 600 nm) for the short wavelength andabove 600 nm (preferably between 630 and 800 nm) for the longwavelength.

For detection apparatus 1000 a in FIG. 31, the sampling rate may be wellabove (>5 times) the frequency of the brush head. The light sources 616′and 616″ are alternating pulsed at the frequency of the brush/bristlemovement. In between the alternate pulses by the light sources 616′ and616″, background light level can be measured and the offset valuescalculated by the controller 2251 to yield corrected reflectivity ratiosR as described above.

Upon confirmation by the process controller 2251 that plaque has beendetected, the process controller 2251 initiates the alarm or guidancedevice 226 or the other methods of feedback to the user that have beendescribed above with respect to FIG. 10 and FIG. 22 to continue brushingin the particular area.

FIG. 32 illustrates another particular embodiment of detection apparatus1000 of FIG. 30 according to the present disclosure wherein, in contrastto detection apparatus 1000 a of FIG. 31, the distal oral insertionportion includes an optical transmitting fibre and an optical receivingfibre and the proximal body portion includes an optical receiving fibretransmitting light to two optical detectors.

More particularly, detection apparatus 1000 b includes a distal oralinsertion portion 1200 b that is identical to distal oral insertionportion 1200 a and which includes distal optical detector transmittingportion 620 b and distal optical detector receiving portion 720 b thatare identical to distal optical detector transmitting portion 620 a anddistal optical detector receiving portion 720 a, respectively, that havebeen described above with respect to detection apparatus 1000 aillustrated in FIG. 31.

Proximal body portion 1100 b includes proximal stream probe portion 510of composite generic plaque detection apparatus 500. Optical gumdetector 800 b includes proximal optical detector transmitting portion610 b, distal optical detector transmitting portion 620 b, distaloptical detector receiving portion 720 b and proximal optical detectorreceiving portion 710 b.

However, proximal body portion 1100 b now includes single light source616 that may be a light emitting diode. Process controller 2251 signalslight source 616 to emit a first light beam at a first wavelength λ1 anda second light beam at a second wavelength λ2 where the two light beamsare transmitted concurrently via first proximal transmitting opticalfiber 6101 to the distal tip 6221 of the first distal opticaltransmitting fibre 6201. The concurrent light beams emitted from thedistal tip 6221 are collected by the distal tip 7221 of the first distalreceiving optical fibre 7201 in the vicinity of the distal probe tip 522and transported to a first light detector 712′ and a second lightdetector 712″ that are each optically coupled to first proximalreceiving optical fibre 7101 via receiving coupler 705. The first lightdetector 712′ is filtered to distinguish the first wavelength λ1 whilethe second light detector 712″ is filtered to distinguish the secondwavelength λ2.

Upon signals received by the plaque detection apparatus 500 that plaquehas been detected, the process controller 2251 and the alarm or guidancedevice 226 operate in a similar manner as described above with respectto detection apparatus 1000 a to distinguish the first wavelength λ1 andthe second wavelength λ2 to determine if the probe tip 522 is actuallydetecting the gums rather than plaque. As indicated previously above,the optimum wavelengths for detection are below 600 nm (preferablybetween 450 and 600 nm) for the short wavelength and above 600 nm(preferably between 630 and 800 nm) for the long wavelength.

As is the case for the detection apparatus 1000 a of FIG. 31, fordetection apparatus 1000 b of FIG. 32 the sampling rate may be also wellabove (>5 times) the frequency of the brush head. Also pulsing of thelight source 616 is favorable in order to achieve background light levelat each measurement point. As before, the background light level issubtracted from the wavelengths λ1 and λ2.

FIG. 33 illustrates a detailed view of distal oral insertion portion1200 a of detection apparatus 1000 a of FIG. 31 or of distal oralinsertion portion 1200 b of detection apparatus 1000 b of FIG. 32according to embodiments of the present disclosure wherein the distaloral insertion portion 1200 a or 1200 b includes a brush 1204 whereinstream probe tip 522 of distal stream probe portion 520 is at a positionbetween the distal tip 6221 of transmitting optical fibre 6201 and thedistal tip 7221 of receiving optical fibre 7201 within the bristles 1206of the brush 1204.

FIG. 34 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the detection apparatusor instrument 200 of FIG. 10, generic composite detection apparatus orinstrument 1000 of FIG. 30 or detection apparatus or instrument 1000 aof FIG. 31 or detection apparatus or instrument 1000 b of FIG. 32wherein a stream probe for plaque detection and an optical detector forgum detection are incorporated into a dental apparatus such as theelectric toothbrush of FIG. 33 in accordance with one exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure.

For simplicity and to illustrate the broad applicability of theembodiments of the present disclosure, the terminology and nomenclatureof the generic composite detection apparatus 1000 of FIG. 30 will beapplied to the description of vibrating electric tooth brush 1000′ ofFIG. 34. More particularly, vibrating electric tooth brush 1000′includes proximal body portion 1100 and distal oral insertion portion1200 which is illustrated in detail in FIG. 33. The distal oralinsertion portion 1200 may be coupled to the proximal body portion 1100via a combined coupler 1150 that includes the mechanical connection 505and the transmitting coupler 605 and receiving coupler 705. The distaloral insertion portion 1200 includes the distal probe portion 520 andthe distal optical gum detector transmission portion 620 and the distaloptical gum detector reception portion 720.

The proximal body portion 1100 includes the proximal stream probeportion 510 and the proximal optical gum detector transmission portion610 and the proximal optical gum detector reception portion 710. Upondetecting plaque by the stream probe 500 and the controller 2251confirming the presence of plaque by the optical gum detector 800 viathe detection electronics 220, the detection apparatus 1000′ may againsignal to the user to continue brushing in the particular location in asimilar manner as described above with respect to FIG. 10.

Through combined coupler 1150, the light is transferred from theproximal optical gum detector transmission portion 610 to the removablebrush or distal oral insertion portion 1200 and the light is deliveredvia distal optical gum detector portion 620 and optical fibre 6201 inFIG. 33 at a position close to the distal probe portion 520 of thestream probe 500. Reflected light is captured by second fibre 7201 inFIG. 33 in distal optical gum detector reception portion 720 and,transferred to proximal optical gum detector reception portion 710(e.g., the handle), where the light impacts detector 712 and the data isprocessed to judge if gum or teeth are present at the measurementlocation.

FIG. 34A is a detailed view of the circled portion of the dentalapparatus 1000′ of FIG. 34 illustrating a connection 1210 between thestream probe and the optical fibres 6201 and 7201 of FIG. 33 within thebristles 1206 of the brush 1204 of the dental apparatus 1000′. Theconnection 1210 preferentially maintains the distal optical gum detectortransmission portion 620 and distal tip 622 and distal optical gumdetector reception portion 720 and distal tip 722 in proximity to thedistal stream probe portion 520 and distal tip 522 by partiallyconnecting the distal optical gum detector transmission portion 620, thedistal stream probe portion 520, and the distal optical gum detectorreception portion 720 to each other at the beginning of the verticalrise of each portion above bristle support member 1208. The distal tips622 and 722 are thus maintained within a distance d3 from the distal tip522 of the distal stream probe portion 520 of less than or equal toabout 1 millimeter (mm) total distance from one another. Also thispositioning allows flexibility of the tips to provide greater comfort tothe user or the subject while the detection apparatus 1000′ is inoperation.

FIG. 34B is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 34B-34B ofFIG. 34A illustrating one exemplary embodiment for routing of the distalstream probe portion 520 and the distal transmitting optical fibre 6201and the distal receiving optical fibre 7201 in the bristle supportmember 1208 of the brush of the dental detection apparatus 1000′ ofFIGS. 33, 34 and 34A. The distal transmitting optical fibre 6201 and thedistal receiving optical fibre 7201 may be routed in a channel 1210formed in the bristle support member 1208 on surface 1212 that isopposite to surface 1214 of the bristle support member 1208 into whichthe bristles 1206 are embedded. This configuration allows the user tovisually confirm operation of the distal transmitting optical fibre 6201and the distal receiving optical fibre 7201.

FIG. 35 illustrates a graphical plot of experimental measurements of thereflectivity of gum and teeth as a function of spectral wavelength. Thevertical axis represents normalized reflectivity RN ranging from 0.00 to1.00. The horizontal axis represents the wavelength and is used tochoose first wavelength λ1 and second light beam at a second wavelengthλ2 of the light beam in nanometers (nm). The normalization of thereflectivity is with respect to a white tooth having a constantnormalized reflectivity of 1.0 as represented by plot 1. Plots 2 and 3represent the normalized reflectivity of an in vivo central incisor 1and in vivo central incisor 2, respectively, with respect to wavelength.Plots 4 and 5 represent the normalized reflectivity of an in vivo canine1 and in vivo canine 2, respectively, with respect to wavelength. Plots6 and 7 represent the normalized reflectivity of gum 1 and gum 2,respectively, with respect to wavelength.

From these measurements, it is concluded that at wavelengths around 600nm a clear distinction can be made between teeth, having a shallowbehavior as a function of wavelength, and gum, showing a steep slopearound this wavelength. Therefore, it is concluded that wavelengthsaround 600 nm are useful for the gum detection. For example, wavelengthsof 570 and 660 nm are widely available for low cost and the ratioR570/R660 shows good contrast between teeth and gum. It is believed tobe beneficial to use wavelengths relatively close to each other, becausethe wavelength dependent scattering behavior (from tooth, gum andtoothpaste) results in less variability when the wavelengths are closeto each other. For this reason also yellow light-emitting diodes (LEDs−590 nm) and orange/red (640 nm) may be used. The yellow LED has as afurther advantage over the green (570 nm) LED that the efficiency isbetter, yielding a better signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

FIG. 36 illustrates white, yellow and seriously stained teeth for whichplaque and gum detection measurements were experimentally determined inthe circled locations. FIG. 37 illustrates a graphical plot of theexperimental measurements for the plaque and gum detection measurementsfor the teeth illustrated in FIG. 36.

More particularly, FIG. 37 illustrates a graphical plot of experimentalmeasurements of the reflectivity of gum and teeth as a function ofspectral wavelength and degree of staining for the while molar 15, theyellow molar 16, the brown molar 17 and the black molar 18 that arecircled in FIG. 36 and white incisor 12, the yellow incisor 13 and thebrown incisor 14 that are similarly circled in FIG. 36. The verticalaxis represents normalized reflectivity RN ranging from 0.00 to 1.00.The horizontal axis represents the (first wavelength λ1 and second lightbeam at a second wavelength λ2) of the light beam in nanometers (nm).The normalization of the reflectivity is with respect to a white toothhaving a constant normalized reflectivity of 1.0 as represented by plot11. Plots 12, 13 and 14 represent the normalized reflectivity of a whiteincisor 12, a yellow incisor 13 and a brown incisor 14, respectively,with respect to wavelength. Plots 15, 16, 17 and 18 represent thenormalized reflectivity of a white molar 15, a yellow molar 16, a brownmolar 17 and a black molar 18, respectively, with respect to wavelength.Plots 19 and 20 represent the normalized reflectivity of gum 1 and gum2, respectively, with respect to wavelength.

FIG. 38 illustrates a graphical plot of red and green signals measuredon tooth and gum. The vertical axis represents a (G-D) signal inmillivolts (mV) ranging from 0 to 5 mV while the horizontal axisrepresents an (R-D) signal in millivolts (mV) ranging from 0 to 50 mV.More particularly, the measurement results are presented for tooth 21and gum 22 (multiple measurements on about the same position) where R-Dand G-D are the red and green signals corrected by the dark signallevel. using a pen with three fibers (570 nm LED light, 660 nm LED lightand to detector), Though the measurements show some spread, (ascribed tothe fact that the spots from the green and red LEDs are laterallydisplaced with respect to each other and noise occurs on the greenchannel 21 because of low light intensities), the distinction betweenteeth and gum is clearly visible as indicated by the double arrow 23which indicates the direction of more or increasing green and more orincreasing red.

FIG. 39 illustrates a graphical plot of the signal levels for plaque(R-D) 24 and gum (G-D) 25 detection in millivolts (mV) as a function ofdistance in millimeters (mm) of the probe from a bovine tooth. Bestsignals are obtained at a probe location slightly away from the toothsurface, around 0.8 mm, because the light may more easily enter thefiber to the detector as compared to a contact position with the tooth.Optimum working distance in a practical situation with toothpaste is inbetween the maximum signal point of around 0.8 mm and 0 mm. Bycontrolling the fibre ends in position with respect to the bristle hairends, this parameter can be optimized. However, it is noted that in apractical toothpaste environment light will be lost by scattering in thetoothpaste, which causes the peak signal from the teeth/gum to shift tothe left in FIG. 39.

FIG. 40 illustrates another particular embodiment of a detectionapparatus of FIG. 30 according to the present disclosure wherein adistal oral insertion portion includes first and second opticaltransmitting fibres without an optical combiner on the proximal bodyportion and an optical receiving fibre feeds a single optical detector.

More particularly, referring to FIG. 40 in conjunction with thecomposite detection apparatus 1000 described with respect to FIG. 30,and the detection apparatus 1000 a described with respect to FIG. 31,there is disclosed an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosurewherein detection apparatus 1000 c includes composite plaque detectionapparatus 500, as described above with respect to FIG. 30, and opticalgum detector 800 c each disposed partially on distal oral insertionportion 1200 c. In contrast to FIG. 31, distal oral insertion portion1200 c includes distal optical detector transmitting portion 620 cwherein a first distal transmitting optical fibre 6201 defines aproximal end 6211 and a distal tip 6221 extending to the vicinity ofdistal end 1202 c of distal oral insertion portion 1200 c and, inaddition, a second distal transmitting optical fibre 6202 defines aproximal end 6212 and a distal tip 6222 also extending to the vicinityof distal end 1202 c of distal oral insertion portion 1200 c. In thesame manner as in FIG. 31, distal optical detector receiving portion 720a includes distal receiving optical fibre 7201 having distal tip 7221extending from the vicinity of distal end 1202 c. Distal oral insertionportion 1200 c also further includes distal probe portion 520 definingdistal tip 522 having open port 526. Proximal end 6211 of first distaltransmitting optical fibre 6201 and proximal end 6212 of the seconddistal transmitting optical fibre 6202 may be coupled to a commonoptical transmitting coupler 605′ that defines proximal ends 6211 and6212.

Detection apparatus 1000 c further includes proximal body portion 1100 cthat includes proximal optical gum detector transmission portion 610 c.In contrast to FIG. 31, the proximal optical gum detector transmissionportion 610 c includes first proximal transmitting optical fibre 6101that may be optically coupled to the distal transmitting optical fibre6201 via transmitting coupler 605′ but also includes a second proximaltransmitting optical fibre 6102 that may be optically coupled to thesecond distal transmitting optical fibre 6202 via transmitting coupler605′. In contrast to FIG. 31, the proximal optical gum detectortransmission portion 610 c does not include optical combiner 6121.

Rather, proximal optical gum detector transmission portion 610 c furtherincludes a first light source 616 a, such as a light emitting diode, anda second light source 616 b, also such as a light emitting diode. Thefirst light source 616 a is optically coupled to the first proximaltransmitting optical fibre 6101 to transmit light from the first lightsource 616 a to the first distal transmitting optical detector fibre6201 in the distal optical gum detector transmission portion 620 c inthe distal oral insertion portion 1200 c. Additionally, the second lightsource 616 b is optically coupled to the second proximal transmittingoptical fibre 6102 to transmit light from the second light source 616 bto the second distal transmitting optical detector fibre 6202 in thedistal optical gum detector transmission portion 620 c in the distaloral insertion portion 1200 c. Therefore, rather than the first proximaltransmitting optical fibre 6101 and the second proximal transmittingoptical fibre 6102 being coupled to a combiner, each fibre is routedindependently to the distal oral insertion portion 1200 c and may becoupled to the common transmitting coupler 605′.

In the same manner as FIG. 31, the distal oral insertion portion 1200 cincludes distal optical gum detector reception portion 720 a whereinfirst distal receiving optical fibre 7201 may be optically coupled tothe receiving coupler 705. Proximal optical gum detector receptionportion 710 a further includes first proximal receiving optical fibre7101 that may be optically coupled to the first distal receiving opticalfibre 7201 via the receiving coupler 705. The proximal optical gumdetector reception portion 710 a further includes optical detector 712that is optically coupled to the first proximal receiving optical fibre7101.

Process controller 2251 signals first light source 616 a to emit a lightbeam at a first wavelength λ1 and signals second light source 616 b toemit a light beam at a second wavelength λ2 where the two light beamsare transmitted such that the light beams at two different wavelengthsare transmitted intermittently and alternately at the two differentwavelengths, one light beam to the distal tip 6221 via the first distaltransmitting optical fibre 6201 and the second light beam to the distaltip 6222 via the second distal transmitting optical fibre 6202. Lightemitted from the distal tips 6221 and 6222 is transmitted to the distaltip 7221 of the first distal receiving optical fibre 7201 to opticaldetector 712 via optical coupler 705. As explained in more detail abovewith respect to FIGS. 35-39, in the event that plaque detectionapparatus 500 signals to the process controller 2251 that plaque hasbeen detected, detection apparatus 1000 c distinguishes between whiteteeth and red gum by the process controller 2251 measuring thereflectivity ratio R resulting from the two wavelengths λ1 and λ2.Again, the reflectivity ratio R is defined as the ratio of observedreflection levels for the two wavelengths λ1 and λ2:

The reflectivity ratio R is determined, where a ratio above a certaindiscrimination level corresponds with teeth and a ratio below this levelcorresponds with gum. The basis for the detection method is that ameasure for the reflectance of the gum/tooth is obtained using at leasttwo wavelengths, with two wavelengths as the preference. From the twocentral wavelengths, one is dominantly below 600 nm and the other isdominantly above 600 nm. The ratio of observed reflection levels for thetwo wavelengths λlow/λhigh is determined, where a ratio above a certaindiscrimination level corresponds with teeth and a ratio below this levelcorresponds with gum.

Upon confirmation by the process controller 2251 that plaque has beendetected, the process controller 2251 initiates the alarm or guidancedevice 226 or the other methods of feedback to the user that have beendescribed above with respect to FIG. 10 and FIG. 22 to continue brushingin the particular area.

FIG. 41 illustrates another particular embodiment of the detectionapparatus of FIG. 32 according to the present disclosure wherein thedistal optical transmitting fibre has a shorter length compared to thedistal optical receiving fibre to establish a broad illumination area.

More particularly, detection apparatus 1000 b′ is identical to detectionapparatus 1000 b described above with respect to FIG. 32 which includesdistal optical detector receiving portion 720 a including first distalreceiving optical fibre 7201 having a distal tip 7221 that defines adistance dr1 with respect to the distal tip 522 of the distal probeportion 520.

However, distal optical gum detector transmission portion 620 b′ indistal oral insertion portion 1200 b′ is configured such that distancedr1 with respect to the distal tip 522 of the distal probe portion 520is less than distance dt1 defined by the distal tip 6221′ of the firstdistal transmitting optical fibre 6201′ with respect to the distal tip522 of the distal probe portion 520 so as to define a broad opticalillumination area A1.

The plaque detection and gum detection and signalling by controller 2251to the user are the same as described previously except that the broadillumination area A1 increases the signal from the distal tip 6221′ ofthe distal transmitting optical fibre 6201′ to the distal tip 7221 ofthe distal receiving optical fibre 7201 without both the transmittingpath and the receiving path suffering losses due to the presence oftoothpaste.

FIG. 42 illustrates another particular embodiment of the detectionapparatus of FIG. 32 according to the present disclosure wherein thedistal optical receiving fibre has a shorter length compared to thedistal optical transmitting fibre to establish a broad collection area.

More particularly, detection apparatus 1000 b″ is identical to detectionapparatus 1000 b described above with respect to FIG. 32 that includesdistal optical detector transmitting portion 1200 b″ including firstdistal receiving optical fibre 6201 having a distal tip 6221 thatdefines a distance dt2 with respect to the distal tip 522 of the distalprobe portion 520.

However, distal optical gum detector transmission portion 620 b″ indistal oral insertion portion 1200 b″ is configured such that distal tip6221 of first distal transmitting optical fibre 6201′ defines a distancedt2 with respect to the distal tip 522 of the distal probe portion 520that is less than a distance dr2 defined by the distal tip 7221′ of thefirst distal receiving optical fibre 7201′ with respect to the distaltip 522 of the distal probe portion 520 so as to define a broad opticalcollection area A2.

Again, the plaque detection and gum detection and signaling bycontroller 2251 to the user are the same as described previously butexcept that in comparison to the broad illumination area A1 of detectionapparatus 1000 b′ of FIG. 41, it is now the broad collection area A2that increases the signal from the distal tip 6221 of the distaltransmitting optical fibre 6201 to the distal tip 7221′ of the distalreceiving optical fibre 7201′ without both the transmitting path and thereceiving path suffering losses due to the presence of toothpaste.

FIG. 43 illustrates another particular embodiment of the detectionapparatus of FIG. 40 according to the present disclosure wherein asecond optical receiving fibre feeds a second optical detector.

More particularly, referring to FIG. 43 in conjunction with FIG. 40 andthe composite detection apparatus 1000 described with respect to FIG.30, there is disclosed an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosurewherein detection apparatus 1000 c′ includes composite plaque detectionapparatus 500, as described above with respect to FIG. 30, and opticalgum detector 800 c′ each disposed partially on distal oral insertionportion 1200 c′. In the same manner as illustrated in FIG. 40, distaloral insertion portion 1200 c′ includes distal optical detectortransmitting portion 620 c wherein first distal transmitting opticalfibre 6201 has distal tip 6221 and second distal transmitting opticalfibre 6202 has distal tip 6222, each distal tip extending to thevicinity of distal end 1202 c′ distal oral insertion portion 1200 c′.

Also in the same manner as illustrated in FIG. 40, distal oral insertionportion 1200 c′ includes distal optical detector receiving portion 720 awherein distal receiving optical fibre 7201 has distal tip 7221extending from the vicinity of distal end 1202 c′ distal oral insertionportion 1200 c′. However, distal optical detector receiving portion 720a′ further includes second distal receiving optical fibre 7202 havingdistal tip 7222.

In the same manner as in FIG. 40, distal oral insertion portion 1200 c′further includes distal probe portion 520 defining distal tip 522 havingopen port 526. Proximal end 7211 of the first distal receiving opticalfibre 7201 and proximal end 7212 of the second distal receiving opticalfibre 7202 may be coupled to a common optical receiving coupler 705′.

Detection apparatus 1000 c further includes proximal body portion 1100c′ that includes proximal optical gum detector transmission portion 610c as described above with respect to FIG. 40. In contrast to FIG. 40,proximal optical gum detector reception portion 710 a′ includes firstproximal receiving optical fibre 7101 that may be optically coupled tofirst distal receiving optical fibre 7201 via transmitting coupler 705′but also includes a second proximal receiving optical fibre 7102 thatmay be optically coupled to the second distal receiving optical fibre7201 via receiving coupler 705′.

In addition, proximal optical gum detector reception portion 710 a′further includes a first light detector 712 a′ and a second lightdetector 712 b′. The first light detector 712 a′ is optically coupled tothe first proximal receiving optical fibre 7101 to receive light fromthe distal tip 7221 of the first distal receiving optical fibre 7201. Inaddition, the second light detector 712 b′ is optically coupled to thesecond proximal receiving optical fibre 7102 to receive light from thedistal tip 7222 of the second distal receiving optical fibre 7202 in theoptical gum detector reception portion 720 a of the distal oralinsertion portion 1200 c′. Distal tips 7221 and 7222 also extend fromthe vicinity of distal end 1202 c′ distal oral insertion portion 1200c′.

Additionally, in the same manner as illustrated in FIG. 40, the secondlight source 616 b is optically coupled to the second proximaltransmitting optical fibre 6102 to transmit light from the second lightsource 616 b to the second distal transmitting optical detector fibre6202 in the distal optical gum detector transmission portion 620 c inthe distal oral insertion portion 1200 c. Therefore, rather than thefirst proximal transmitting optical fibre 6101 and the second proximaltransmitting optical fibre 6102 being coupled to a combiner, each fibreis routed independently to the distal oral insertion portion 1200 c andmay be coupled to the common transmitting coupler 605′.

Again, the plaque detection and signaling by controller 2251 to the userare the same as described previously.

FIG. 44 illustrates another particular exemplary embodiment of thedetection apparatus of FIG. 31 according to the present disclosurewherein the proximal body portion includes two light sourcestransmitting light to the proximal optical transmitting fibre throughlenses and a dichroic cube.

More particularly, referring to FIG. 44 in conjunction with FIG. 31 andthe composite detection apparatus 1000 described with respect to FIG.30, there is disclosed another exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure wherein detection apparatus 1000 d includes composite plaquedetection apparatus 500, as described above with respect to FIG. 30, andoptical gum detector 800 d each disposed partially on distal oralinsertion portion 1200 a. In the same manner as illustrated in FIG. 31,distal oral insertion portion 1200 a includes distal optical detectortransmitting portion 620 a wherein first distal transmitting opticalfibre 6201 has distal tip 6221.

Also in the same manner as illustrated in FIG. 31, distal oral insertionportion 1200 a includes distal optical detector receiving portion 720 awherein distal receiving optical fibre 7201 may be optically coupled tothe receiving coupler 705.

Also in the same manner as illustrated in FIG. 31, proximal body portion1100 d includes proximal optical gum detector reception portion 710 awherein first proximal receiving optical fibre 7101 may be opticallycoupled to the first distal receiving optical fibre 7201 via thereceiving coupler 705. The proximal optical gum detector receptionportion 710 a further includes an optical detector 712 that is opticallycoupled to the first proximal receiving optical fibre 7101.

However, detection apparatus 1000 d differs from the detection apparatus1000 a illustrated in FIG. 31 in that proximal optical gum detectortransmission portion 610 d includes a dichroic cube 611 defining a lighttransmitting surface 611′ and optically coupled to a proximaltransmitting fibre 6103 via an optical lens 613 disposed to focus lightemitted from the light transmitting surface 611′ of the dichroic cube611 through the first proximal transmitting fibre 6103. The dichroiccube 611 further includes a first light receiving surface 611 a and asecond light receiving surface 611 b.

The proximal optical gum detector transmission portion 610 d furtherincludes a first light emitting diode 615 a and another optical lens 611a disposed between the first light emitting diode 615 a and the firstlight receiving surface 611 a to focus light emitted from the firstlight emitting diode 615 a into the first light receiving surface 611 a.The proximal optical gum detector transmission portion 610 d furtherincludes a second light emitting diode 615 b and yet another opticallens 611 b disposed between the second light emitting diode 615 b andthe second light receiving surface 611 b to focus light emitted from thesecond light emitting diode 615 b into the second light receivingsurface 611 b.

Yet again, the plaque detection and signaling by controller 2251 to theuser are the same as described previously.

FIG. 45 illustrates a distal oral insertion portion of a detectionapparatus according to one exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure wherein the distal oral insertion portion defines alongitudinal centerline along its length to define a first side and asecond side wherein a first detection apparatus that includes a streamprobe for plaque detection and an optical detector for gum detection isdisposed on the first side and a second detection apparatus thatincludes a stream probe for plaque detection and an optical detector forgum detection is disposed on the second side.

More particularly, as illustrated in FIG. 45, the distal oral insertionportion 1200 of the generic composite detection apparatus 1000 of FIG.30 defines a longitudinal centerline X-X along length L of the distaloral insertion portion 1200 to define a first side 1200′ of the distaloral insertion portion 1200 and a second side 1200″ of the distal oralinsertion portion 1200. The distal probe portion 520 is a first distalprobe portion, the distal optical gum detector transmission portion 620is a first distal optical gum detector portion, and the distal opticalgum detector reception portion 720 is a first distal optical gumdetector reception portion and each is disposed on the first side 1200′of the distal oral insertion portion 1200 defined by the longitudinalcenterline X-X.

The distal oral insertion portion 1200 on second side 1200″ furtherincludes a second distal probe portion 520′ of a second stream probe500′ that is configured to be immersed in the first fluid 11. The seconddistal probe portion 520′ also defines a distal tip 522′ having an openport 526′ to enable passage of the second fluid 30, 35 therethrough.Again, the open port 526′ of the distal tip 522′ of the second distalprobe portion 520′ also has a cross-sectional area sufficient and ashape configured to detect substance 116 that may be present on surface31, 33.

A second distal optical gum detector transmission portion 620′ on secondside 1200″ defines a proximal end 621′ and a distal tip 622′. The distaltip 622′ of the second distal optical gum detector transmission portion620′ extends to the vicinity of the distal end 1202 of the distal oralinsertion portion 1200.

A second distal optical gum detector reception portion 720′ on secondside 1200″ defines a proximal end 721 and a distal tip 722′. The distaltip 722″ of the second distal optical gum detector reception portion720′ extends to the vicinity of the distal end 1202 of the distal oralinsertion portion 1200.

The detection apparatus 1000 is configured such that passage of thesecond fluid 30, 35 through the distal tip 522 of the first distal probeportion 520) enables detection of a substance 116 that may be present onthe surface 31, 33 based on measurement of a signal correlating asubstance 116 at least partially obstructing the passage of fluid 30, 35through the open port 526 of the distal tip 522 of the distal probeportion 520. The detection apparatus 1000 is also configured such thatthe distal optical gum detector transmission portion 620 and the distaloptical gum detector reception portion 720 are in a position to transmitand to receive, respectively, an optical signal that upon transmissionof the optical signal and reception of the optical signal by controller2251, which enables the controller 2251 to determine if the open port526 of the distal tip 522 of the distal probe portion 520 is in contactwith a substance 116 at least partially obstructing the passage of fluid30, 35 through the open port 526 and not in contact with the gums of asubject or of a user of the detection apparatus 1000. The second distalprobe portion 520′ is positioned on the gums of a subject or of a user,respectively as part of guidance to the user to keep one on the gum,while the other one, i.e., first distal probe portion 520, is on theteeth, to ensure effective gum line brushing.

The detection apparatus 1000 is configured such that passage of thesecond fluid 30, 35 through the distal tip 522 of the first distal probeportion 520) enables detection of a substance 116 that may be present onthe surface 31, 33 based on measurement of a signal correlating asubstance 116 at least partially obstructing the passage of fluid 30, 35through the open port 526 of the distal tip 522 of the distal probeportion 520. The detection apparatus 1000 is also configured such thatthe distal optical gum detector transmission portion 620 and the distaloptical gum detector reception portion 720 are in a position to transmitand to receive, respectively, an optical signal that upon transmissionof the optical signal and reception of the optical signal by controller2251, which enables the controller 2251 to determine if the open port526 of the distal tip 522 of the distal probe portion 520 is in contactwith a substance 116 at least partially obstructing the passage of fluid30, 35 through the open port 526 and not in contact with the gums of asubject or of a user of the detection apparatus 1000. The second distalprobe portion 520′ is positioned on the gums of a subject or of a user,respectively as part of guidance to the user to keep one on the gum,while the other one, i.e., first distal probe portion 520, is on theteeth, to ensure effective gum line brushing. Depending on where thedistal oral insertion portion 1200 (e.g., the brush head) is in themouth, either the distal probe portion 520, distal optical gum detectortransmission portion 620 and distal optical gum detector receptionportion 720 of first side 1200′ or the distal probe portion 520′, distaloptical gum detector transmission portion 620′ and distal optical gumdetector reception portion 720′ of second side 1200″ will be on theteeth while the other side will be on the gums (depending on whether theuser is right-handed or left-handed, whether the upper gums and teethare being cleansed or the lower gums and teeth are being cleansed orwhether the interior surfaces of the teeth and gums are being cleansedor whether the exterior surfaces of the teeth and gums are beingcleansed). Thus, when moving about the mouth in a single brushingsession, the relative positions of the stream probe on side 1200′ andthe stream probe on side 1200″ on tooth or gums will be reversedperiodically. Depending on where the brush head is in the mouth, one orthe other will be on teeth or gums. The stream probe on the teeth shouldhave the plaque detection probe, so both stream probes require plaquedetection probes even though at any one time only one plaque detectionprobe is useful. Similarly, the stream probe on the gums should have theoptical gum detector probes, even though at any one time only oneoptical gum detector probe is useful.

FIG. 46 illustrates optical coupling between the proximal optical gumdetector transmission portion and distal optical gum detectortransmission portion and between the distal optical gum detectorreception portion and proximal optical gum detector reception portion ofthe detection apparatus of FIG. 30 wherein the coupling is effected byair transfers.

More particularly, FIG. 46 is a simplified partial depiction of thedetection apparatus 1000 of FIG. 30 partially combined with, forexample, the detection apparatus 1000 a of FIG. 31. Proximal optical gumdetector transmission portion 610 is represented by proximaltransmitting optical fibre 6101 which transmits a light beam to distaltransmitting optical fibre 6201 representing distal optical gum detectortransmission portion 620. Instead of proximal transmitting optical fibre6101 being optically coupled to distal transmitting optical fibre 6201via the transmission coupler 605, the optical coupling is effected by anair transfer represented by arrow T1 between proximal transmittingoptical fibre 6101 and distal transmitting optical fibre 6201.

Similarly, distal optical gum detector reception portion 720 isrepresented by distal receiving optical fibre 7201 which transmits alight beam to proximal receiving optical fibre 7101 representingproximal optical gum detector reception portion 710. Instead of distalreceiving optical fibre 7201 being optically coupled to proximalreceiving optical fibre 7101 via the reception coupler 705, the opticalcoupling is effected by an air transfer represented by arrow T2 betweendistal receiving optical fibre 7201 and proximal receiving optical fibre7101.

The mechanical connection 505 for plaque detection apparatus 500 wouldremain as shown in FIG. 30.

While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in thedrawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, asit is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art willallow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the abovedescription should not be construed as limiting, but merely asexemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the artwill envision other modifications within the scope of the claimsappended hereto.

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall notbe construed as limiting the claim. The word “comprising” does notexclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in aclaim. The word “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude thepresence of a plurality of such elements. The invention may beimplemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements,and/or by means of a suitably programmed processor. In the device claimenumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by oneand the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures arerecited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that acombination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

1. A dental hygiene detection apparatus for detecting the presence of asubstance on a surface, the detection apparatus comprising: a distaloral insertion portion defining a proximal end and a distal end, thedistal oral insertion portion including: a distal probe portion of astream probe configured to be immersed in a first fluid, the distalprobe portion defining a distal tip having an open port to enablepassage of a second fluid therethrough, the open port of the distal tiphaving a size and shape configured to detect a substance that may bepresent on a surface, a distal optical gum detector transmission portiondefining a proximal end and a distal tip, the distal tip of the distaloptical gum detector transmission portion extending to the vicinity ofthe distal end of the distal oral insertion portion; and a distaloptical gum detector reception portion defining a proximal end and adistal tip, the distal optical gum detector reception portion extendingto the vicinity of the distal end of the distal oral insertion portion,the apparatus configured such that passage of the second fluid throughthe distal tip of the distal probe portion enables detection of asubstance that may be present on the surface based on measurement of astream probe signal correlating a substance at least partiallyobstructing the passage of fluid through the open port of the distal tipof the distal probe portion, and configured such that the distal opticalgum detector transmission portion and the distal optical gum detectorreception portion are in a position to transmit and to receive,respectively, an optical signal that upon transmission of the opticalsignal and reception of the optical signal by a controller, enables thecontroller to determine if the open port of the distal tip of the distalprobe portion is in contact with a substance at least partiallyobstructing the passage of fluid through the open port and not incontact with the gums.
 2. The dental hygiene detection apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the distal optical gum detectortransmission portion includes a first distal transmitting optical fibredefining a proximal end and a distal tip extending to the vicinity ofthe distal end of the distal oral insertion portion and wherein thedistal optical gum detector transmission portion further includes asecond distal transmitting optical fibre defining a proximal end and adistal tip, the distal tip of the second distal transmitting opticalfibre extending to the vicinity of the distal end of the distal oralinsertion portion.
 3. The dental hygiene detection apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the distal optical detector transmitting portioncomprises a first distal transmitting optical fibre having a distal tip,and wherein the distal optical detector receiving portion comprises afirst distal receiving optical fibre having a distal tip that defines adistance with respect to the distal tip of the distal probe portion thatis less than a distance defined by the distal tip of the first distaltransmitting optical fibre with respect to the distal tip of the distalprobe portion so as to define a broad optical illumination area.
 4. Thedental hygiene detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thedistal optical detector transmitting portion comprises a first distaltransmitting optical fibre having a distal tip extending to the vicinityof the distal end of the distal oral insertion portion, and wherein thedistal optical detector receiving portion comprises a first distalreceiving optical fibre having a distal tip, and wherein the distal tipof the first distal transmitting optical fibre defines a distance withrespect to the distal tip of the distal probe portion that is less thana distance defined by the distal tip of the first distal receivingoptical fibre with respect to the distal tip of the distal probe portionso as to define a broad optical collection area.
 5. The dental hygienedetection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the distal optical gumdetector reception portion includes a first distal receiving opticalfibre defining a proximal end and a distal tip, the distal tip of thefirst distal receiving optical fibre extending from the vicinity of thedistal end of the distal oral insertion portion; and a second distalreceiving optical fibre defining a proximal end and a distal tip, thesecond distal receiving optical fibre extending from the vicinity of thedistal end of the distal oral insertion portion.
 6. The dental hygienedetection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the distal oralinsertion portion defines a longitudinal centerline along the length ofthe distal oral insertion portion to define a first side of the distaloral insertion portion and a second side of the distal oral insertionportion, wherein the distal probe portion is a first distal probeportion, the distal optical gum detector transmission portion is a firstdistal optical gum detector portion, and the distal optical gum detectorreception portion is a first distal optical gum detector receptionportion, each disposed on the first side of the distal oral insertionportion defined by the longitudinal centerline, the distal oralinsertion portion further comprising: a second distal probe portion of asecond stream probe configured to be immersed in the first fluid, thesecond distal probe portion defining a distal tip having an open port toenable passage of the second fluid therethrough, the open port of thedistal tip of the second distal probe portion having a to detectsubstance that may be present on surface, a second distal optical gumdetector transmission portion defining a proximal end and a distal tip,the distal tip of the second distal optical gum detector transmissionportion extending to the vicinity of the distal end of the distal oralinsertion portion; and a second distal optical gum detector receptionportion defining a proximal end and a distal tip, the second distaloptical gum detector reception portion extending from the vicinity ofthe distal end of the distal oral insertion portion, the apparatusconfigured such that passage of the second fluid through the distal tipof the first distal probe portion enables detection of a substance thatmay be present on the surface based on measurement of a signalcorrelating a substance at least partially obstructing the passage offluid through the open port of the distal tip of the distal probeportion, and configured such that the distal optical gum detectortransmission portion and the distal optical gum detector receptionportion are in a position to transmit and to receive, respectively, anoptical signal that upon transmission of the optical signal andreception of the optical signal by a controller, enables the controllerto determine if the open port of the distal tip of the distal probeportion is in contact with a substance at least partially obstructingthe passage of fluid through the open port and not in contact with thegums and wherein the second distal probe portion is positioned on thegums respectively.
 7. The dental hygiene detection apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the dental hygiene detection apparatus furthercomprises a proximal body portion including: a proximal optical gumdetector transmission portion optically coupled to the distal opticalgum detector transmitting portion.
 8. The dental hygiene detectionapparatus according to claim 7, wherein the proximal optical gumdetector transmission portion comprises a first proximal opticaltransmitting fibre wherein the proximal body portion further comprisesan optical combiner; and wherein the optical combiner is opticallycoupled to the first proximal optical transmitting fibre.
 9. The dentalhygiene detection apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the proximaloptical gum detector transmission portion further comprises a firstlight emitting diode and a second light emitting diode, each diodeoptically coupled to the optical combiner to transmit light from thefirst and second light emitting diodes to the distal optical gumdetector transmission portion in the distal oral insertion portion. 10.The dental hygiene detection apparatus according to claim 7, wherein theproximal optical gum detector transmission portion comprises a firstproximal transmitting optical fiber and wherein the proximal optical gumdetector transmission portion further comprises a light emitting diodeoptically coupled to the first proximal transmitting optical fibre. 11.The dental hygiene detection apparatus according to claim 7, wherein theproximal body portion further includes a proximal optical gum detectorreception portion optically coupled to the distal optical gum detectorreceiving portion.
 12. The dental hygiene detection apparatus accordingto claim 11, wherein the distal optical gum detector reception portioncomprises a first distal receiving optical fibre, and wherein theproximal optical gum detector reception portion comprises a firstproximal receiving fibre optically coupled to the first distal receivingoptical fibre.
 13. The dental hygiene detection apparatus according toclaim 12, wherein the proximal optical gum detector reception portionfurther comprises an optical detector optically coupled to the firstproximal receiving optical fibre.
 14. The dental hygiene detectionapparatus according to claim 13, wherein the proximal optical gumdetector reception portion further comprises a second optical detectoroptically coupled to the first proximal receiving optical fibre.
 15. Thedental hygiene detection apparatus according to claim 14, wherein theproximal optical gum detector transmission portion comprises a firstproximal optical transmitting fibre and a light emitting diode opticallycoupled to the first proximal transmitting optical fibre.
 16. The dentalhygiene detection apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the proximaloptical gum detector transmission portion further comprises a secondproximal optical transmitting fibre and a light emitting diode opticallycoupled to the second proximal transmitting optical fibre.
 17. Thedental hygiene detection apparatus according to claim 7, wherein theproximal optical gum detector transmission portion comprises: a firstproximal transmitting optical fibre optically coupled to the distaloptical gum detector transmission portion; and a second proximaltransmitting optical fibre optically coupled to the distal optical gumdetector transmission portion.
 18. The dental hygiene detectionapparatus according to claim 17, wherein the proximal body portionfurther comprises: a first light emitting diode optically coupled to thefirst proximal transmitting optical fibre; and a second light emittingdiode optically coupled to the second proximal transmitting opticalfibre.
 19. The dental hygiene detection apparatus according to claim 17,wherein the proximal optical gum detector reception portion comprises; afirst proximal receiving optical fibre optically coupled to the firstdistal receiving fibre; and a second proximal receiving optical fibreoptically coupled to the second distal receiving fibre.
 20. The dentalhygiene detection apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the proximalbody portion further comprises; a first optical detector opticallycoupled to the first proximal receiving optical fibre; and a secondoptical detector optically coupled to the second proximal receivingoptical fibre.
 21. The dental hygiene detection apparatus according toclaim 7, wherein the proximal optical gum detector transmission portioncomprises: a dichroic cube defining a light transmitting surface andoptically coupled to the first proximal transmitting fibre via anoptical lens disposed to focus light emitted from the light transmittingsurface of the dichroic cube through the first proximal transmittingfibre.
 22. The dental hygiene detection apparatus according to claim 21,wherein the dichroic cube further comprises a first light receivingsurface and a second light receiving surface, the proximal optical gumdetector transmission portion further comprises: a first light emittingdiode and another optical lens disposed between the first light emittingdiode and the first light receiving surface to focus light emitted fromthe first light emitting diode into the first light receiving surface;and a second light emitting diode and yet another optical lens disposedbetween the second light emitting diode and the second light receivingsurface to focus light emitted from the second light emitting diode intothe second light receiving surface.
 23. The dental hygiene detectionapparatus according to claim 7, wherein the stream probe signal is apressure signal, the detection apparatus further comprising: a pressuresensor configured and disposed to detect the pressure signal in theproximal probe portion of the stream probe.
 24. The dental hygienedetection apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising acontroller, the controller processing pressure readings sensed by thepressure sensor and determining whether the pressure readings areindicative of detection of a substance that may be present on thesurface based on measurement of a signal, correlating to a substance atleast partially obstructing the passage of second fluid through the openport of the distal tip of the distal probe portion of the stream probeand confirmation via the distal optical gum detector transmissionportion and the distal optical gum detector reception portiontransmitting and receiving, respectively, an optical signal that upontransmission of the optical signal and reception of the optical signalby the controller, enables the controller to determine if the open portof the distal tip of the distal probe portion is in contact with asubstance at least partially obstructing the passage of fluid throughthe open port of the distal tip of the distal probe portion and not incontact with gums.
 25. The dental hygiene detection apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the distal oral insertion portion further comprisesa transmitting coupler positioned at the proximal end of the distal oralinsertion portion, wherein the distal optical gum detector transmissionportion is coupled to the transmitting coupler.
 26. The dental hygienedetection apparatus according to claim 25, further comprising areceiving coupler positioned at the proximal end of the distal oralinsertion portion, wherein the distal optical gum detector receptionportion is coupled to the receiving coupler.
 27. The dental hygienedetection apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the proximal bodyportion is removably attachable to the distal oral insertion portion viathe transmitting coupler and the receiving coupler.
 28. The dentalhygiene detection apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the proximalbody portion is integrally formed with the distal oral insertionportion.